Optimization strength and stability

During a steel or timber verification , Diamonds obtains a percentage of the ability of bars to resist to forces they are subjected to. However, the first choice of cross-sections may not be perfect: some cross-sections might be too big or too small for the occuring loads. However, Diamonds can optimize the size of cross-sections.

Click on to run the optimization:

• If you had some bars selected, Diamonds will ask you if your want to perform the verification for just the selection or for all bars.

• In the next dialogue that appears, you see 2 or 3 tabs depending on the cross-section type present in your project.

Your project only contains cross-sections from the library	Your project only contains cross-sections from the library and/or cross-sections based on shapes
You’ll see 2 tab pages	You’ll see 3 tab pages
During the optimization, Diamonds will therefore search for the best suited cross-section in the library.	During the optimization, Diamonds will optimize by modifying either the height or width step by step defined you.

• Tab page “Optimization parameters“
  
  • Optimization targets
    This is the value Diamonds try to approach during the optimization.
    
    Given that the optimization is always made based on the results with the previous cross-sections and not optimized ones, it may be necessary to conduct several successive optimizations. However, in order to reduce this number when the results are far from optimal, we can judiciously alter the value. When your cross-sections are clearly oversized, it may be better to aim at a percentage slightly over 100% and vice versa in the opposite case.
  • Optimize for
    You can optimize the cross-section to the imposed target for the resistance and/or the stability.
  • Order sections by
    One the optimization is finished, you’ll get a summary with all the recommended changes (see further). Indicate of the list should be organized based on the resistance or the stability.
• Tab page “Adjust cross-sections”
  This tab page is visible when the project contains cross-section defined using .
  
  • Adjust cross-sections
    If you want to display a list of cross-sections with propositions provided by Diamonds, check ‘Summarize and confirm’. This will also allow you to accept some changs and reject others:
    
  • How to replace cross-sections
    If you check the option “Equal cross-sections remain …”, cross-sections defined as an HEA will remain an HEA after optimization.
    If you check the option ” All bars of same type…”, cross-sections belonging to the same design type , will receive the same cross-section type.
    
• Tab page “Optimize user-defined cross-sections”
  This tab page is visible when the project contains cross-section defined using .
  
  • This construction contains
    This part contains a list of all the cross-section forms present in the project. Select them one by one to fill in the bottom part that belongs to each name.
  • “Define parameters for section type …”
    In this part you indicate which dimension can vary in order to conduct the optimization.
    In some cases, it is possible to optimize by varying two values proportionally.
  • You can also define a minimum and maximum size of the cross-section.