---

The objective of this work is to predict the temperature of the different types of walls which are Ferro cement wall, reinforced cement concrete (RCC) wall and two types of cavity walls (combined RCC with Ferrocement and combined two Ferro cement walls) with the help of mathematical modeling. The property of low thermal transmission of small air gap between the constituents of combine materials has been utilized to obtain energy efficient wall section. Ferro cement is a highly versatile form of reinforced concrete made up of wire mesh, sand, water, and cement, which possesses unique qualities of strength and serviceability. The significant intention of the proposed technique is to frame a mathematical modeling with the aid of optimization techniques. Mathematical modeling is done by minimizing the cost and time consumed in the case of extension of the existing work. Mathematical modeling is utilized to predict the temperature of the different wall such as RCC wall, Ferro cement, combined RCC with Ferro cement and combined Ferro cement wall. The different optimization algorithms such as Social Spider Optimization (SSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Group Search Optimization (GSO) are utilized to find the optimal weights α and β of the mathematical modeling. All optimum results demonstrate that the attained error values between the output of the experimental values and the predicted values are closely equal to zero with the SSO model. The results of the proposed work are compared with the existing methods and the minimum errors with SSO algorithm for the case of two combined RCC wall was found to be less than 2%.

---

In this article, by Partitioning of designing space, optimization speed is tried to be increased by GA. To this end, designing space search is done in two steps which are global search and local search. To achieve this goal, according to meshing in FEM, firstly, the list of sections is divided to specific subsets. Then, intermediate member of each subset, as representative of subset, is defined in a new list. Optimization process is started based on the new list of sections which includes subset’s representatives (global search). After some specific generations, range of optimum design is indicated for each designing variable. Afterwards, the list of sections is redefined relative to previous step’s result and based on subset of relevant variable. Finally, optimization will be continued based on the new list of sections for each designing variable to complete the generations (local search). In this regard, effect of dimension and number of subset’s members of global and local searches in proposal are investigated by optimization examples of skeletal structures. Results imply on optimization speed enhancement based on proposal in different cases proportional to simple and advanced cases of GA.

---

Risks are natural and inherent characteristics of major projects. Risks are usually considered independently in analysis of risk responses. However, most risks are dependent on each other and independent risks are rare in the real world. This paper proposes a model for proper risk response selection from the responses portfolio with the purpose of optimization of defined criteria for projects. This research has taken into account the relationships between risk responses; especially the relationships between risks, which have been rarely considered in previous works. It must be pointed out that not considering or superficial evaluation of the interactions between risks and risk responses reduces the expected desirability and increases project execution costs. This model is capable of optimization of different criteria in the objective function based on the proposed projects. Multi-objective Harmony Search (MOHS) and Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) are used to solve this model and the numerical results obtained are analyzed. Finally, it was observed that ranges of objective functions in MOHS are better than those in NSGA-II.

---

Design of blast resistant structures is an important subject in structural engineering, attracting the attention of governments, researchers, and engineers. Thus, given the benefits of optimization in engineering, development and assessment of optimization methods for optimum design of structures against blast is of great importance. In this research, multi-objective optimization of steel moment frames subjected to blast is investigated. The considered objectives are minimization of the structural weight and minimization of the maximum inter-story drifts. The minimization of weight is related to obtain low cost designs and the minimization of inter-story drifts is related to obtain higher performance designs. By proposing a design methodology, a framework is developed for solving numerical problems. The developed framework is constructed by combining explicit finite element analysis of the structure and the NSGA-II optimization algorithm. The applicability and efficiency of the proposed method is shown through two numerical examples.

---

Flow number of asphalt–aggregate mixtures as an explanatory factor has been proposed in order to assess the rutting potential of asphalt mixtures. This study proposes a multiple–kernel based support vector machine (MK–SVM) approach for modeling of flow number of asphalt mixtures. The MK–SVM approach consists of weighted least squares–support vector machine (WLS–SVM) integrating two kernel functions in order to improve the learning and generalization ability of WLS–SVM. In the proposed method, a linear convex combination of the radial basis function (RBF) and Morlet wavelet kernel functions is adopted, which are considered as the most popular kernel functions. To validate the efficiency of the proposed method, experiments are conducted on a database including 118 uniaxial dynamic creep test results. The results of the statistical criteria show a good agreement between the predicted and measured flow number values. Further, the simulation results demonstrate that the proposed MK–SVM approach has more superior performance than the single kernel based WLS–SVM and other methods found in the literature.

---

This paper aims to obtain the optimal distance between the adjacent structures using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm considering structure-soil-structure systems; The optimization algorithm has been prepared in MATLAB software and connected into OpenSees software (where the structure-soil-structure system has been analyzed by the direct approach). To this end, a series of adjacent structures with various slenderness have been modeled on the three soil types according to Iranian seismic code (Standard No. 2800) using the direct method. Then they have been analyzed under six earthquake excitations with different risk levels (low, moderate, and high).
The results are compared with the proposed values of separation gap between adjacent structures in the Iranian seismic code (Standard No. 2800). Results show that since structures with the same height constructed on a stiff soil will move in the same phase, there is no need to put distance between them. Although, the structures with the height more than 6-story frames where are located on a soft soil are needed to be separated. Additionally, the results show more separation gap between two adjacent structures when the risk level of earthquake is high. In general, the values which are presented in Standard No. 2800 are not suitable for low /moderate-rise structures specially when they are subjected to a high-risk level earthquake and are located on a soft soil and this separation gap should be increased about 10 to 90 percentage depend on the conditions but these values are appropriate for the adjacent structures with same height where are subjected to a low-risk level earthquakes built on soft soil.

---

This paper presents a parametric study of steel I- beam with stepped flanges by using finite element analysis. Stepped flange beam is used in structures to decrease the negative bending moments near interior supports that causes failure due to buckling. Steps in the cross section can be achieved by adding cover plates to the beam flanges, changing the size of the hot rolled section, or changing the flange thickness and/or width for built-up section. The stress concentration with variation in stepped beam configuration such as doubly and singly stepped I-beams has been examined thoroughly. The loadings are limited to those having an inflection point of zero under point load at mid span. Beams with degree of symmetry, ρ of 0.2 are investigated for the present study. Unbraced length to height ratio of the beam to be analyzed is considered as 15. In addition, to check the effect of steps, stepped parameters α, β and γ are varied. The results shows that, a change of flange thickness is more significant than a change of flange width on the lateral torsional buckling capacity of a singly stepped beam.

---

Partricular features of overpassing local optima and providing near-optimal soultion in practical time has led researchers to apply metaheuristics in several engineering problems. Optimal design of diagrids as one of the most efficient structural systems in tall buildings has been concerned here. Jaya algorithm as a recent paramter-less optimization method is employed to solve the problem using a set of available sections. Furthermore, passive congregation is embedded in Jaya without adding any extra control parameters. Applyig the method in a number of real-size structural examples including diagrids, exhibits performance improvement by the new hybrid algorithm with respect to Jaya.

---

In this paper, a procedure has been introduced to the multi-objective optimal design of semi-active tuned mass dampers (SATMDs) with variable stiffness for nonlinear structures considering soil-structure interaction under multiple earthquakes. Three bi-objective optimization problems have been defined by considering the mean of maximum inter-story drift as safety criterion of structural components, absolute acceleration as the criterion of occupants’ convenience, and safety of non-structural acceleration sensitive components, as well as SATMD relative displacement as the cost criterion of the control device. The parameters of the weighting matrices of the instantaneous optimal control algorithm and the maximum and minimum level of variable stiffness of the semi-active device have been considered as design variables. An improved version of the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), has been employed to solve the optimization problems and figure out the set of Pareto optimal solutions. SATMDs with different mass ratios have been designed for an eight-story shear type building with bilinear elasto-plastic stiffness model where the soil-structure interaction has been incorporated by Cone model with three degrees of freedom for the soil. Results show the capability and simplicity of the proposed procedure to design SATMDs considering multiple performance criteria. It is observed that this procedure can offer a wide range of optimal solutions throughout the Pareto front which can be chosen by the designer based on desired performance and application of the structure.

---

The artificial neural network is such a model of biological neural networks containing some of their characteristics and being a member of intelligent dynamic systems. The purpose of applying ANN in civil engineering is their efficiency in some problems that do not have a specific solution or their solution would be very time-consuming. In this study, four different neural networks including FeedForward BackPropagation (FFBP), Radial Basis Function (RBF), Extended Radial Basis Function (ERBF), and Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN) have been efficiently trained to analyze large-scale space structures specifically double-layer barrel vaults focusing on their maximum element stresses. To investigate the efficiency of the neural networks, an example has been done and their corresponding results have been compared with their exact amounts obtained by the numerical solution.

---

In this work, a new hybrid Symbiotic Organisms Search (SOS) algorithm introduced to design and optimize spatial and planar structures under structural constraints. The SOS algorithm is inspired by the interactive behavior between organisms to propagate in nature. But one of the disadvantages of the SOS algorithm is that due to its vast search space and a large number of organisms, it may trap in a local optimum. To fix this problem Harmony search (HS) algorithm, which has a high exploration and high exploitation, is applied as a complement to the SOS algorithm. The weight of the structures' elements is the objective function which minimized under displacement and stress constraints using finite element analysis. To prove the high capabilities of the new algorithm several spatial and planar benchmark truss structures, designed and optimized and the results have been compared with those of other researchers. The results show that the new algorithm has performed better in both exploitation and exploration than other meta-heuristic and mathematics methods.

---

Optimization has always been a human concern from ancient times to the present day, also in light of advances in computing equipment and systems, optimization techniques have become increasingly important in different applications. The role of metaheuristic algorithms in optimizing and solving engineering problems is expanding every day, optimization has also had many applications in water engineering. Every year, the effects of climate change and the water crisis deepen and worsen in many parts of the world, and existing water management becomes much more vital and critical. One of the main centers for water management and control dams reservoirs. In this paper, applying the CBO metaheuristic algorithm, the results of optimization in the operation of the Haraz dam reservoir in northern Iran, which has previously been done with FA and GA algorithms and standard operation system (SOP), are reviewed and compared. With the implementation of the CBO algorithm, all results and key outputs such as program runtime, annual water shortages, and vulnerabilities are much better than previous calculations, all the results are mentioned in the text of the article, but for example, the annual water shortage has reached about 38% of the FA algorithm, about 25% of the GA algorithm and about 13% of the SOP method. The numerical results demonstrate that the CBO algorithm has merits in solving challenging optimization problems and using this innovative algorithm can be an important starting point in the operation of dam reservoirs around the world.

---

This paper introduces a reliability-based multi-objective design method for spatial truss structures. A multi-objective optimization problem has been defined considering three conflicting objective functions including truss weight, nodal deflection, and failure probability of the entire truss structure with design variables of cross sectional area of the truss members. The failure probability of the entire truss system has been determined considering the truss structure as a series system. To this end, the uncertainties of the applied load and the resistance of the truss members have been accounted by generating a set of 50 random numbers. The limitations of members' allowable have been defined as constraints. To explain the methodology, a 25-bar benchmark spatial truss has been considered as the case study structure and has been optimally designed using the game theory concept and genetic algorithm (GA). The results show effectiveness and simplicity of the proposed method which can provide Pareto optimal solution. These optimal solutions can provide both safety and reliability for the truss structure.
 

---

The wind loads considerably influence lightweight spatial structures. An example of spatial structures is scallop domes that contain various configurations and forms and the wind impact on a scallop dome is more complex due to its additional curvature. In our work, the wind pressure coefficient (Cp ) on the scallop dome surface is studied numerically and experimentally. Firstly, the programming language Formian-K is used for generating the scallop dome configuration. Then, the scallop dome scale model is designed using a CAD/CAM system, and it is constructed in fiberglass. Afterward, the wind tunnel of the atmospheric boundary layer is presented, and the scale model is applied for performing the tests so that the Cp  is obtained. The scallop dome scale model was taken into account in numerical investigation. For simulation of the turbulent flow, Large Eddy Simulation (LES), Reynolds Stress Turbulence Model (RSM), the k-ε RNG, and k-omega Shear Stress Transport (k-ω SST) approaches were used. Lastly, we compared the wind pressure coefficients obtained by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with the results of the experimental investigation. As indicated by the results, the LES method, particularly, RSM model, can be applied because of lower computational costs for the analysis of other scallop dome configurations for obtaining Cp .
 

---

In this study, the response of semi-actively controlled structures is investigated, with a focus on the effects of magneto-rheological (MR) damper distribution on the seismic response of structures such as drift and acceleration. The proposed model is closed loop, and the structure's response is used to determine the optimal MR damper voltage. A Fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is employed to calculate the optimum voltage of MR dampers. Drifts and velocities of the structure’s stories are used as FLC inputs. The FLC parameters and the distribution of MR dampers across stories are determined using the NSGA-II, when the structure is subjected to the El-Centro earthquake, so as to minimize the peak inter-story drift ratio and peak acceleration simultaneously. The efficiency of the proposed approach is illustrated through a twenty-story nonlinear benchmark structure. Non-dominated solutions are obtained to minimize the inter-story drift and acceleration of structures and Pareto front produced. Then, the non-dominated solutions are used to control the seismic response of the benchmark structure, which was subjected to the Northridge, Kobe, and Hachinohe earthquake records. In the numerical example the maximum drift and acceleration decrease by about 36.3% and 15%, respectively, in the El-Centro earthquake. The results also demonstrate that the proposed controller is more efficient in reducing drift than reducing acceleration.
 

---

The semi-active bracing system locks or unlocks the stand-by braces in an on-off mode utilizing a variable stiffness device (VSD). In this paper, the optimal design of a semi-active bracing mechanism and evaluating its performance in mitigating structural vibration under seismic loading have been studied. The optimal stiffness values of the semi-active braces have been determined by solving two optimization problems including minimizing the maximum acceleration and also minimizing the maximum inter-story drift by imposing a constraint on the maximum acceleration. The genetic algorithm (GA) has been applied to solve the optimization problems. To illustrate the design procedure, an eight-story linear shear frame under earthquake record has been considered and the optimal semi-active braces have been designed. In addition, to assess the performance of optimal bracing system under other records which are different from design record in terms of intensity and frequency content, the structure equipped with optimally designed semi-active braces has been tested under several ground motion records. The results show that the optimal semi-active bracing system has simultaneously reduced different responses of the structure although the acceleration reduction has mainly been less compared to the drift reduction.
 

---

The main objective of this paper is to optimize the size and layout of planar truss structures simultaneously. To deal with this challenging type of truss optimization problem, the center of mass optimization (CMO) metaheuristic algorithm is utilized, and an extensive parametric study is conducted to find the best setting of internal parameters of the algorithm. The CMO metaheuristic is based on the physical concept of the center of mass in space. The effectiveness of the CMO metaheuristic is demonstrated through the presentation of three benchmark truss layout optimization problems. The numerical results indicate that the CMO is competitive with other metaheuristics and, in some cases, outperforms them.
 

---

Seismic vibration control refers to a range of technical methods designed to reduce the effects of earthquakes on building structures and many other engineering systems. Most of the recently developed methods in this area have been investigated in vibration suppression of buildings structures each of which have advantages and disadvantages in dealing with complex structural systems and destructive earthquakes. This study aims to implement two of the well-known passive control systems as Base Isolation (BI) and Mass Damper (MD) control as a hybrid control scheme in order to reduce the seismic vibration of tall tubular buildings in dealing with different types of earthquakes. For this purpose, a 50-story tall building is considered with tubular structural system while the hybrid BI-MD control system ins implemented in the building for vibration control purposes. Since the parameter tuning process is one of the key aspects of the passive control systems, a metaheuristic-based parameter optimization process is conducted for this purpose in which a new upgraded version of the standard Gazelle Optimization Algorithm (GOA) is proposed as UGOA while the Chaos Theory (CT) is used instead of random movements in the main search loop of the UGOA in order to enhance the overall performance of the standard algorithm. The results show that the upgraded algorithm is capable of conducting better search in dealing with the optimal hybrid control of structural systems.
 

---

The main objective of this study is to predict the maximum inter-story drift ratios of steel moment-resisting frame (MRF) structures at different seismic performance levels using feed-forward back-propagation (FFBP) neural network models. FFBP neural network models with varying numbers of hidden layer neurons (5, 10, 15, 20, and 50) were trained to predict the maximum inter-story drift ratios of 5- and 10-story steel MRF structures. The numerical simulations indicate that FFBP neural network models with ten hidden layer neurons better predict the inter-story drift ratios at seismic performance levels for both 5- and 10-story steel MRFs compared to other neural network models.

---

Structural optimization plays a critical role in improving the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of engineering designs. This paper presents a comparative study of single-objective and multi-objective optimization in the structural design process. Single-objective problems focus on optimizing just one objective, such as minimizing weight or cost, while other important aspects are treated as constraints like deflections and strength requirements. Multi-objective optimization addresses multiple conflicting objectives, such as balancing cost, with displacement treated as a secondary objective and strength requirements defined as constraints within the given limits. Both optimization approaches are carried out using Chaos Game Optimization (CGO). While single-objective optimization produces a definitive optimal solution that can be used directly in the final design, multi-objective optimization results in a set of trade-off solutions (Pareto front), requiring a decision-making process based on design codes and practical criteria to select the most appropriate design. Through a real-world case study, this research will assess the performance of both optimization strategies, providing insights into their suitability for modern structural engineering challenges.