Structural Topology Optimization of Box Girder Based on Method of Moving Asymptotes (MMA)

The crane performance depends largely on its box girder structure. The problem of structure topology optimization for a box girder is investigated in this study. Firstly, a comprehensive analysis to box girder is given and a topology optimization model for the bridge crane girder structure is established. Secondly, based on the optimization model, the box girder is optimized with finite element software Patran/Nastran and an improved Method of Moving Asymptotes (MMA). Finally, some satisfied results are obtained from the optimization procedure and useful conclusions are presented.