Dissertations@Portsmouth - Details for item no. 13646
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Smith, Lewis (2020) Is structural optimisation a method to reduce steel sizes of beam bridges ?. (unpublished MSc dissertation), University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth
Abstract
The hardest emissions to reduce are within the cement and steel industries. Steel and concrete make up two of the fundamental ingredients in which reinforced concrete is used throughout the world in foundations and superstructures. The steel industry annually produces large quantities of steel which is used as either individual elements or reinforcement within concrete. It is hoped that during the design process, the amount of construction materials required can be reduced. This is proposed using structural optimisation techniques which would help to improve the sustainability of the construction industry and promote long term environmental growth, due to the reduction in raw materials being used for construction.
There are a variety of methods to attempt to reduce material usage within the construction industry, structural optimisation is one such technique which can be applied during the design phase of the project. Different optimisation techniques have been researched and reviewed, with the findings used to optimise a steel beam bridge.
This research projects uses a software program to carry out size optimisation of a steel beam bridge. It is hoped this is a valid method to reduce the amount of material usage within the construction industry and attempting to make fully green bridges. Overall a reduction of 43% of weight was achieved by optimising the example beam. Parameters were set for standard sizes of steel plate in terms of width & thickness to try and use materials that require little fabrication works. Overall, the aims & objectives of this project were achieved, and the findings of this report will help to promote sustainable design and future projects moving forward.
Course: Civil Engineering with Structural Engineering - MSc - C1369
Date Deposited: 2020-12-17
URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13646.html