Cross-section optimization of thin-walled open-section composite column for maximizing its ultimate strength

This paper focuses on the optimization of thin-walled open cross-section laminated composite column subjected to uniaxial compressive load. The cross-section of the column is parameterized in such a way that it can represent a variety of shapes including most of the regular cross-sections such as H, C, T, and I sections. The objective is to obtain the best possible shape of the cross-section, by keeping a constant total material volume, which can maximize the ultimate load carrying capacity of the column. The ultimate strength of the column is determined by considering both buckling instability and material failure. For material failure, Tsai-Wu composite failure criterion is considered. As analytical solutions for these parameterized column models are not tractable, the ultimate loads of the composite columns are computed through finite-element analysis in ANSYS. And, the optimization is carried out by coupling these finite-element results with a genetic algorithm based optimization scheme developed in MATLAB. The optimal result obtained through this study is compared with an equivalent base model of cruciform cross-section. Results are reported for various lengths and boundary conditions of the columns. The comparison shows that a substantial increase of the ultimate load, as high as 610%, can be achieved through this optimization study. Thus, the present paper highlights some important characteristics of open cross-sections that can be useful in the design of thin-walled laminated column structures.