Integrated design algorithm for branching structures with double-trunk: a case study

The form-fingding of branching structures has always been solved by inverse-hanging method which is always conducted through experiment. However, this method is not suitable for branching structures in large scale. It will be better if the numerical form-finding method can be propsoed. This paper employs multiple target optimization algorithms to generate the form of the multi-support branching structure. The multiobjective optimization algorithm consists of three sub-algorithms: the form-finding sub-algorithm, the sub-algorithm for optimizing stable bearing capacity, and the sub-algorithm for topology optimization. The form-finding analysis sub-algorithm is implemented based on the force density method, the stable bearing capacity sub-algorithm relies on the Euler stable bearing capacity to adjust the force density value of each member, and the topology optimization sub-algorithm is designed to treat the section as a variable, enabling the structure to autonomously select efficient components for load transfer. The research results presented in this paper lay the groundwork for the intelligent design of multi-supported tree structures.