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Check out the structural engineering part of the project >>
As part of my deep beam optimization project, I wrote a MATLAB code that uses matrix calculations to determine an optimal layout for a Strut-and-Tie (STM) model. Please read the structural engineering portion of the project linked above if you're interested in learning about STM.
First, the code prompts the user to input all the relevant information about the beam i.e. geometric parameters, material properties and end-fixity. Next, the user is asked to enter information about the loading on the beam, which can be any combination of point loads and distributed loads. Finally, the user is asked how many nodes they want to divide each of their distributed loads into. The code assigns preliminary node locations based on the boundary conditions and external loads. After assigning the initial member orientations, the program calculates the transformation matrix and the local k matrix for each member,
The initial truss-layout is created based on the level of analysis chosen by the user. If the user decided to use a level – 1 analysis, nodes are created at the top chord only at the point of application for the loads. A matching set of nodes are created at the bottom chord. The program then automatically assigns the member numbers and orientations between these auto-generated codes. If the user chose to conduct a level – 2 analysis, the program creates intermediate nodes between the nodes from level – 1, and checks their effect on the overall area of steel reinforcement required for the beam. Finally, the nodes are looped through an incremental process to determine their most optimal position.
Feel free to look through the code below:
Deep_Beam_Optimization (txt)
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