Steel trusses are widely utilized in engineering structures, and their optimization is essential for enhancing structural performance and reducing material consumption. Existing optimization methods for steel trusses predominantly rely on the trial-and-error method, which is not only inefficient but also inaccurate. Therefore, this study focused on the optimization of steel trusses using an efficient and accurate optimization methodology. Based on a genetic algorithm and the finite element method, both mono- and multi-parameter optimization designs for steel trusses were executed, an applicable optimization design method for steel trusses was established, and corresponding optimization design programs were developed. The analysis demonstrates that the proposed optimization method effectively optimizes truss height and member cross-section, leading to a significant reduction in material consumption. Compared to the traditional trial-and-error method, the proposed optimization method exhibits adequate calculation accuracy and superior optimization efficiency, thereby providing a robust theoretical foundation for the engineering design of steel trusses.

This paper focuses on the response of reticulated shell structures under oblique impact loads, with a departure from the traditional emphasis on vertical impact loads. These structures are typically utilised in large-span spaces such as iconic buildings and large venues. The study begins by establishing a numerical simulation method for reticulated shell structures subjected to oblique impact loads, which is then validated against existing experimental results. Building on this verified method, the research delves into the effects of varying impactor mass, velocity, and initial kinetic energy on the reticulated shell structure under oblique impacts, as well as the influence of different oblique impact angles. The study extensively examines the failure modes of the structure, node displacements in the structure, and variations in member stress under different impactor parameters. It further investigates how these parameters influence the maximum impact bearing capacity, impact duration, energy dissipation capability, and response forms of the structures, analyzing the reasons behind these effects. The findings offer valuable insights for further research and practical engineering design of reticulated shell structures.