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In this article, a practical design methodology is proposed for discrete sizing optimization of high-rise concrete buildings with a focus on large-scale and real-life structures.

This framework relies on a computationally efficient approximation of the constraint and objective functions using a radial basis function model with a linear tail, also called the combined response surface methodology (RSM) in this article. Considering both the code-stipulated constraints and other construction requirements, three sub-optimization problems were constructed based on the relaxation model of the original problem, and then the structural weight could be automatically minimized under multiple constraints and loading scenarios. After modulization, the obtained results could meet the discretization requirements. By integrating the commercially available ETABS, a dedicated optimization software program with an independent interface was developed and details for practical software development were also presented in this paper.

The proposed framework was used to optimize different high-rise concrete buildings, and case studies showed that material usage could be saved by up to 12.8% compared to the conventional design, and the over-limit constraints could be adjusted, which proved the feasibility and effectiveness.

This methodology can therefore be applied by engineers to explore the optimal distribution of dimensions for high-rise buildings and to reduce material usage for a more sustainable design.

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a variable distance pneumatic gripper with embedded flexible sensors, which can effectively grasp fragile and flexible objects.

Based on the motion principle of the three-jaw chuck and the pneumatic “fast pneumatic network” (FPN), a variable distance pneumatic holder embedded with a flexible sensor is designed. A structural design plan and preparation process of a soft driver is proposed, using carbon nanotubes as filler in a polyurethane (PU) sponge. A flexible bending sensor based on carbon nanotube materials was produced. A static model of the soft driver cavity was established, and a bending simulation was performed. Based on the designed variable distance soft pneumatic gripper, a real-time monitoring and control system was developed. Combined with the developed pneumatic control system, gripping experiments on objects of different shapes and easily deformable and fragile objects were conducted.

In this paper, a variable-distance pneumatic gripper embedded with a flexible sensor was designed, and a control system for real-time monitoring and multi-terminal input was developed. Combined with the developed pneumatic control system, a measure was carried out to measure the relationship between the bending angle, output force and air pressure of the soft driver. Flexible bending sensor performance test. The gripper diameter and gripping weight were tested, and the maximum gripping diameter was determined to be 182 mm, the maximum gripping weight was approximately 900 g and the average measurement error of the bending sensor was 5.91%. Objects of different shapes and easily deformable and fragile objects were tested.

Based on the motion principle of the three-jaw chuck and the pneumatic FPN, a variable distance pneumatic gripper with embedded flexible sensors is proposed by using the method of layered and step-by-step preparation. The authors studied the gripper structure design, simulation analysis, prototype preparation, control system construction and experimental testing. The results show that the designed flexible pneumatic gripper with variable distance can grasp common objects.