On optimal design of supports in beam and frame structures

An algorithm of optimal design of supports including their number, position and stiffness is proposed. The number of supports constitute topological design parameters, their positions correspond to configuration parameters. Both, elastic and rigid supports are considered and the optimization is aimed to minimize the total structure cost. The topology bifurcation points correspond to generation of new supports. The topological sensitivity derivative is used in deriving the optimality conditions. The optimization procedure provides number of supports, their position and stiffness of both supports and beam segments.