Abstract: | A flexible supporting structure that reduces seismic response of an arch is proposed. Topology and cross-sectional areas of the supporting structure modeled as a truss structure are optimized through two steps of static and dynamic optimization problems. In the first step, a flexible supporting structure that has diagonal displacement at the top under horizontal load is obtained by solving static optimization problems. Then, in the second step, the cross-sectional area of the flexible member is optimized to minimize the seismic response acceleration of the arch evaluated by the complete quadratic combination (CQC) method. Time-history seismic response analysis is carried out to show that the response in the normal direction of the roof successfully decreases due to flexibility of the supporting structure; in addition, installing passive energy dissipation devices into the flexible supporting structure is very effective in reducing the tangential response of the arch. |