Optimization of roofs with solar panels using Rao algorithms

Steel space truss roof (SSTR) systems are widely used in structures with large spans such as stadiums, sports halls, and shopping malls, as well as in industrial buildings such as factories, workshops, and production facilities. Solar panels are integrated into SSTR systems to enable these structures to generate energy and to increase the use of sustainable energy sources. With the installation of the solar panels, an additional load was placed on the roofs. However, this raises questions regarding whether existing roofs can withstand this additional weight without compromising their design. This study can be an important reference source for future truss roof designs by increasing sustainable energy use and functionally optimizing the SSTR. Another contribution of this study is that it directly contributes to real-world applications by ensuring that SSTR designs are more efficient and economical for engineering projects. For these purposes, this study presents the size optimization of the SSTR with and without solar panels using the Rao-1 and Rao-2 algorithms, which are metaheuristic algorithms known as the Rao algorithms. Thus, information can be provided regarding whether existing roofs can safely carry solar panels. To optimize the SSTR system, a computer code was created in MATLAB, which works effectively with Rao algorithms and SAP2000-s Open Applicable Programming Interface (OAPI) features and allows repetitive analysis. For size optimization of the SSTR, which consists of 1728 elements, the roof system was divided into three and six groups. Changes in the weight of the SSTR system in the different groups were investigated. The optimum design of both the three-group and six-group SSTR systems with and without solar panels was performed. Based on the results obtained from this study, it was concluded that the Rao-1 algorithm achieved more robust and stable results than the Rao-2 algorithm in both three and six-group SSTR. The SSTR system divided into six groups achieved the minimum weight compared with the SSTR system, which was divided into three groups. In this case, increasing the number of groups provided better results.