Optimal Steel Reinforcement of a Timber Roof Structure by Orthogonal Array Based Simulation

A numerical technique based on the use of suitable digital simulations is applied in this work to the optimal design of a timber truss reinforcement. It is shown how an experimental scheme of orthogonal type - widely employed in industry for the optimum design of processes and products - is capable, once adequately adapted, to provide some valuable information for the decision making design. Based on a limited number of simulations, the problem of the optimal choice for the sections of the reinforcing elements is tackled by also taking into account the aesthetic appearance of the whole, given the particular historical context in which the structure is located.