A NEW APPROACH FOR OPTIMUM DESIGN OF STRUCTURES UNDER DYNAMIC EXCIATION

This paper presents a new method for optimization of dynamic response of structures subjected to seismic excitation. This method is based on the concept of uniform distribution of deformation. In order to obtain the optimum distribution of structural properties, an iterative optimization procedure has been adopted. In this approach, the structural properties are modified so that inefficient material is gradually shifted from strong to weak areas of a structure. This process is continued until a state of uniform deformation is achieved. It is shown that in general for a MDOF structure there exists a specific pattern for distribution of structural properties that results in an optimum seismic performance. The application of the proposed method for optimum seismic design of different structural forms such as truss-like structures and shear-buildings is presented.