Showing 27 results for Optimal Design
A. Kaveh, A. Zaerreza, J. Zaerreza,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (4-2023)
Abstract
Vibrating particles system (VPS) is a swarm intelligence-based optimizer inspired by free vibration with a single degree of freedom systems. VPS is one of the well-known algorithms in structural optimization problems. However, its performance can be improved to find a better solution. This study introduces an improved version of the VPS using the statistical regeneration mechanism for the optimal design of the structures with discrete variables. The improved version is named VPS-SRM, and its efficiency is tested in the three real-size optimization problems. The optimization results reveal the capability and robustness of the VPS-SRM for the optimal design of the structures with discrete sizing variables.
G. Sedghi, S. Gholizadeh, S. Tariverdilo ,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
In this paper an enhanced ant colony optimization algorithm with a direct constraints handling strategy is proposed for the optimization of reinforced concrete frames. The construction cost of reinforced concrete frames is considered as the objective function, which should be minimized subject to geometrical and behavioral strength constraints. For this purpose, a new probabilistic function is added to the ant colony optimization algorithm to directly satisfy the geometrical constraints. Furthermore, the position of an ant in each iteration is updated if a better solution is found in terms of objective value and behavioral strength constraints satisfaction. Five benchmark design examples of planar reinforced concrete frames are presented to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
V. Goodarzimehr, F. Salajegheh,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
The analysis and design of high-rise structures is one of the challenges faced by researchers and engineers due to their nonlinear behavior and large displacements. The moment frame system is one of the resistant lateral load-bearing systems that are used to solve this problem and control the displacements in these structures. However, this type of structural system increases the construction costs of the project. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new method that can optimize the weight of these structures. In this work, the weight of these significant structures is optimized by using one of the latest metaheuristic algorithms called special relativity search. The special relativity search algorithm is mainly developed for the optimization of continuous unconstrained problems. Therefore, a penalty function is used to prevent violence of the constraints of the problem, which are tension, displacement, and drift. Also, using an innovative technique to transform the discrete problem into a continuous one, the optimal design is carried out. To prove the applicability of the new method, three different problems are optimized, including an eight-story one-span, a fifteen-story three-span bending frame, and a twenty-four-story three-span moment frame. The weight of the structure is the objective function, which should be minimized to the lowest possible value without violating the constraints of the problem. The calculation of stress and displacements of the structure is done based on the regulations of AISC-LRFD requirements. To validate, the results of the proposed algorithm are compared with other advanced metaheuristic methods.
B. Ahmadi-Nedushan, A. M. Almaleeh,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
This study uses an elitist Genetic Algorithm (GA) to optimize material costs in one-way reinforced concrete slabs, adhering to ACI 318-19. A sensitivity analysis demonstrated the critical role of elitism in GA performance. Without elitism, the GA consistently failed to reach the target objective, with success rates often nearing zero across various crossover fractions. Incorporating elitism dramatically increased success rates, highlighting the importance of preserving high-performing individuals. With an optimal configuration of 0.3 crossover fraction and 0.45 elite percentage, a 92% success rate was achieved, finding a cost of 24.91 in 46 of 50 runs for a simply supported slab. This optimized design, compared to designs based on ACI 318-99 and ACI 318-08, yielded material cost savings of between 5.8% to 8.6% for simply supported, one-end continuous, both-ends continuous, and cantilevered slabs. The influence of slab dimensions on cost was evaluated across 64 scenarios, varying slab lengths from 5 to 20 feet for each support condition. Resulting cost versus slab length diagrams illustrate the economic benefits of GA optimization.
T. Bakhshpoori, M. Heydari,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (4-2025)
Abstract
In this research, different types of weirs have been numerically investigated to determine the optimal design based on two hydraulic and structural criteria. FLOW 3D and ABAQUS software were utilized for the hydraulic and structural analysis, respectively. The accuracy of the numerical models was verified with the available experimental and numerical results. In the hydraulic investigation, 18 models of different types of weirs including rectangular (6 models), square, triangular (3 models), circular, ogee (3 models), and labyrinth (4 models) weirs were examined. In the structural study of weirs, there are 13 models, including rectangular, square, triangular (3 models), circular, ogee (3 models), and labyrinth (4 models) weirs were analyzed. The results of hydraulic analyzes showed that the dimensions of the rectangular weir significantly affect the output velocity. In triangular weirs, the highest energy dissipation will occur with an apex angle of 45°, and with the increase of the apex angle in the ogee weir, more turbulence is observed in the downstream flow. In labyrinth weirs, by changing the shape of the weir from triangular to rectangular, the output velocity and also turbulence of the flow will be much less. According to the findings of the structural analyses, the increase of the apex angle in triangular weirs, the weir will be more critical, but the situation will be more suitable in ogee weirs. Additionally, the rectangular labyrinth weir performs the best structurally among the labyrinth weirs.
A. Kaveh,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (8-2025)
Abstract
In this paper, a review is provided for the optimal analysis of structures using the graph theoretic force method. An analysis is defined as “optimal” if the corresponding structural matrices (flexibility or stiffness) are sparse, well-structured, and well-conditioned. An expansion process together with the union-intersection theorem is utilized for generating subgraphs, forming a special cycle basis, corresponding to highly localized self equilibration systems. Admissibility checks are used in place of the more common independence checks to speed up the formation of the basis. An efficient solution requires organizing the non-zero entries into various well-defined patterns. Algorithms are provided to form matrices having banded matrices and small profiles. Though the paper considers mainly skeletal structures, the presented concepts are easily extensible to other finite element models. References for such generalizations have been provided. A brief review of swift analysis methods that skirt the harder problem of matrix conditioning is also provided. The iterative nature of optimal structural design via metaheuristic algorithms rewards any speedup in the analysis process. This review recommends utilizing the force method instead of the alternative displacement method to achieve said speedup. The work concludes with a discussion of future challenges in the field of optimal analysis.
A. Sheikhalishahi, B. Ahmadi-Nedushan,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (11-2025)
Abstract
This study presents a cost optimization approach for simply supported one-way ribbed slabs, with the primary objective of minimizing concrete and reinforcement costs. A Genetic Algorithm (GA), implemented in MATLAB, is utilized to address this optimization problem. The optimization model incorporates seven discrete design variables: rib dimensions (spacing, bottom/top width, and height), topping slab thickness, flexural reinforcement diameter, and concrete compressive strength. For validation, an initial optimization based on ACI 318-08 with six variables demonstrated a 3% cost reduction compared to established algorithms. To ensure practical relevance, subsequent optimizations incorporated actual market conditions utilizing the 2025 Iranian Building Construction Price List. Transitioning to ACI 318-19 resulted in a 10% increase in optimal cost relative to ACI 318-08, primarily due to stricter shear strength provisions. To mitigate this increase and enhance design efficiency, concrete compressive strength was introduced as a seventh design variable. This expanded optimization was evaluated across spans ranging from 5 to 8 meters, yielding a further 4.4% cost reduction for a 6-meter span. Conclusively, the results demonstrate that the strategic application of higher-strength concrete, informed by real-world market prices, significantly reduces the overall cost of one-way ribbed slab construction.
