Intro slide 1 of 2

1. OBJECTIVES
Iteratively optimize member section property selection for modules subject to in-situ and
lift design conditions with the goal of optimizing structural weight.
SUMMARY OF METHOD
1. Set up single-step structural analysis procedure that handles both Lift and In-situ design
conditions and establish a global member unity check (UC) target.
2. Set Unity Check (UC) targets for the next iteration that are close to the global target
based on member UC results for current iteration.
3. Estimate member cross section area and section moduli required to meet these targets
and select the lightest section in pre-defined member section property databases that
satisfies them.
4. Update the in-situ and lift structural models by substituting these new section
properties for the current ones.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until member UC’s are as close to the overall target as desired.
MCHTM Inc
Automated Optimization of Structural Model Member Section Properties
SUPPORTING 3rd PARTY SOFTWARE
At present, the system has been implemented to work with SACS input files but
could be adapted to work with other structural analysis software.
Typical Lift Model
(pin supported at lift points)
Typical In-situ Model
(supported at points at the base)