Lightweight design optimization of a welded monorail track using an evolutionary algorithm
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study presents the analysis and optimization of the mass of monorail track girders. Two types of girders were considered: a mono-symmetric welded I-profile and a double-symmetric I-profile variant. The objective function was the cross-sectional area of the I-profile, including weld areas. Constraints included the strength at critical points of the I-profile, weld strength, girder stiffness, and overall stability. The monorail track was analyzed in the span between two supports. An Evolutionary Algorithm, implemented in the Solver add-in of MS Excel, was used for optimization, allowing discrete design variables such as standard plate thicknesses and integer weld dimensions, thereby providing practical and implementable solutions. The proposed model was applied to real monorail tracks in operation that utilize standard I-profiles. The optimized solutions demonstrated material savings while satisfying all limit criteria, confirming the efficiency and applicability of the approach for practical design improvements in monorail track construction.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
[1] K. M. Özdemir, “Lateral buckling of overhanging crane trolley monorails”, Engineering Structures, Vol. 28(8), pp. 1129–1138, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2005.12.006, (2006)
[2] N. S. Trahair, “Lateral buckling of monorail beams”, Engineering Structures, Vol. 30(11), pp. 3213-3218, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2008.05.001, (2008)
[3] N. S. Trahair, “Distortional buckling of overhanging monorails”, Engineering Structures, Vol. 32(4), pp. 982–987, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2009.12.025, (2010)
[4] S. Sagar, R. R. Patel and S. P. Joshi, “A literature review on design of overhead monorail crane for material handling”, International Journal for Scientific Research and Development, Vol. 3(03), pp. 2621-2623, (2015)
[5] A. Handoko, Y. R. Aldori, F. Farsa, N. A Setyanto and Masrajuddin, “Structural performance analysis of an 8-ton monorail crane using frame analysis and bolt connection evaluation”, IRA Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Applications, Vol. 4(3), pp. 254-263, https://doi.org/10.56862/irajtma.v4i3.359, (2025)
[6] G. Pavlović, B. Jerman, M. Savković, N. Zdravković and G. Marković, “Metaheuristic applications in mechanical and structural design”, Engineering Today, Vol. 1(1), pp. 19-26, https://doi.org/10.5937/engtoday2201019P, (2022)
[7] G. Pavlović, M. Savković, G. Marković and N. Zdravković, “Analysis of variants of structures of built-up columns on examples of columns for crane runways”, Proceedings of V Conference on Mechanical Engineering Technologies and Applications “COMETa 2020”, Jahorina (B&H, Republic of Srpska), 26-28 November, pp. 235-242, (2020)
[8] G. Pavlović, M. Savković, N. B. Zdravković, G. Marković, M. Todorović and P. Mladenović, “Optimal design of the hybrid i-girder of the single-beam bridge crane”, Proceedings of VII Conference on Mechanical Engineering Technologies and Applications “COMETa 2024”, Jahorina (B&H, Republic of Srpska), 14-16 November, pp. 300-307, (2024)
[9] Z. Petković and D. Ostrić, “Metalne konstrukcije u mašinogradnji I”, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Belgrade (Serbia), (1996)
[10] D. Ostrić and S. Tošić, “Dizalice”, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Belgrade (Serbia), (2005)
[11] SRPS U.E7.101:1991, Provera stabilnosti nosećih čeličnih konstrukcija - Bočno izvijanje nosača, Institute for Standardization of Serbia, Belgrade (Serbia), (1991)
[12] SRPS U.E7.081:1986, Provera stabilnosti nosećih čeličnih konstrukcija - Centrično pritisnuti štapovi konstantnog jednodelnog preseka, Institute for Standardization of Serbia, Belgrade (Serbia), (1986)
[13] SRPS U.E7.086:1986, Provera stabilnosti nosećih čeličnih konstrukcija - Određivanje dužine izvijanja štapova, Institute for Standardization of Serbia, Belgrade (Serbia), (1986)