Some Aspects of the Discrete Code-Based Optimization of a Telecommunications Tower

This paper focuses on the optimization of the discrete sizing and shape of a telecommunications tower. The tower is modelled as a 3D truss. The finite element code is written in MATLAB with software, including a genetic optimisation algorithm. The strength, buckling, slenderness, global stability, and displacement constraints are included, following the Eurocode requirements. The elements are selected from industrial circular hollow and angle steel section catalogues. The paper discusses the performance of the genetic algorithm, the effect of various model constraints, its global stability, and the wind load on the final tower design. Emphasis is placed on the convenience of implementing the optimisation in a practical design problem. The results demonstrate several peculiarities of algorithm properties. The sizing variable is treated as a continuous or discrete variable. A full spectrum of the dependency of the optimised design on the sizing variable is presented. The designs are validated with commercial software. All the data for the repeatability of the results is supplied in the appendices.