OPTIMAL DESIGN OF END CARRIAGE STRUCTURES

Abstract

Double-girder bridge cranes are widely used in manufacturing and production facilities, especially for large load capacities and spans. In addition to the great attention paid to the design of the main girders, end carriages also have a significant role and responsibility, which ensures the stable movement of the main girders of the double-girder bridge crane. The proper choice for the geometry of the cross-section of this structure is of great importance, primarily in terms of rigidity and the connection of these structures with the main girders. This research presents the analysis and optimization of the cross-section of the end carriage of the double-girder bridge crane, depending on the input design parameters. The presented model is justified and achieved significant savings in the material are shown through the examples of existing solutions of double-girder bridge cranes. The optimization process will be performed in the MATLAB software package, using the fmincon function, which is proven to solve nonlinear engineering problems. Confirmation of the obtained results will be shown using the SAP2000 software package.