Genetic Algorithms-Based Methodologies for Design Optimization of Trusses
This article has a reply.
VIEW THE REPLYPublication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 123, Issue 3
Abstract
Design optimization of trusses consists of arriving at optimum topology, configuration, and sizes of cross-sectional parameters, when weight of the truss is minimum, satisfying a set of specified constraints. Genetic algorithms-based methods provide ideal techniques for modeling many practical considerations, which make the optimal solution constructible. Two improved methods for size and configuration optimization and topology optimization are presented in this paper. The first one is a two-phase method, which in addition to arriving at better solutions compared to those obtained using earlier methods, also improves the computational efficiency. The second method, based on a variable string length genetic algorithm (VGA), addresses the topology optimization problem, taking into account a number of practical issues. Classical problems from literature are solved and the results are compared. Features of the proposed method, which help in modeling and application to optimal design of large truss structures, are demonstrated by solving a problem of a microwave antenna tower.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
1.
Cella, A., and Logcher, R. D.(1971). “Automated optimum design from discrete component.”J. Struct. Div., ASCE, 97(1), 175–189.
2.
Cella, A., and Soosar, K. (1973). “Discrete variables in structural optimisation.”Optimum structural design, R. H. Gallaghar and O. C. Zienkiewicz, eds., Chapter 11, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., Reading, Mass., 201–222.
3.
Grierson, D. E., and Pak, W. H.(1993). “Optimal sizing, geometrical and topological design using a genetic algorithm.”Struct. Optimisation, 6, 151–159.
4.
Elperin, T.(1988). “Monte-carlo structural optimisation in discrete variables with annealing algorithm.”Int. J. Numer. Methods in Engrg., 26, 815–821.
5.
Goldberg, D. E. (1989). “Messy genetic algorithms: motivation, analysis and first results.”TCGA Rep. No. 89003, Dept. of Engrg. Mech., Univ. of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
6.
Goldberg, D. E., and Samtani, M. P. (1986). “Engineering optimization via genetic algorithm.”Electronic computation. ASCE, New York, N.Y., 471–476.
7.
Hajela, P.(1990). “Genetic search—an approach to the non-convex optimisation problem.”AIAA J., 28(7), 1205–1210.
8.
Hajela, P., and Lee, E. (1994). “Genetic algorithms in topological design of grillage structures.”Proc., IUTAM Symp. on Discrete Struct. Sys., Int. Union on Theoretical and Appl. Mech., Delft, The Netherlands, 30–39.
9.
Hansen, S. R., and Vanderplaats, N.(1989). “Approximation method for configuration optimisation of trusses.”AIAA J., 8(3), 161–168.
10.
Imai, K. (1978). “Configuration optimisation by multiplier method.”UCLA-ENG-7842, Univ. of California at Los Angeles, Calif.
11.
Jenkins, W. M.(1991). “Structural optimisation using genetic algorithms.”The Struct. Engr., London, England, 69(24), 418–422.
12.
Liebman, J. S., Kachathurian, N., and Chanaratna, V.(1981). “Discrete structural optimisation.”J. Struct. Div., ASCE, 107(11), 2177–2197.
13.
Lin, T. Y., and Hajela, P. (1992). “Genetic optimisation.”Engrg. Optimisation, 123(22).
14.
Rajeev, S. (1993). “Genetic algorithms-based methodologies for design optimization of framed structures,” PhD thesis, Indian Inst. of Technol., Madras, India.
15.
Rajeev, S., and Krishnamoorthy, C. S.(1992). “Discrete optimization of structures using genetic algorithms.”J. Struct. Engrg., ASCE, 118(5), 1233–1250.
16.
Schmid, L.(1993). “Discussion of `discrete optimization using genetic algorithms.”' J. Struct. Engrg., ASCE, 119(8), 2494–2496.
17.
Schmit, L. A.(1981). “Structural synthesis—its genesis and development.”AIAA J., 19(10), 1249–1263.
18.
Schmit, L. A., and Fleury, C.(1980). “Structural synthesis by combining approximation concepts and dual methods.”AIAA J., 18(10), 1252–1260.
19.
Templeman, A. B., and Yates, D. F.(1983). “A segmented method for discrete optimum design of structures.”Engrg. Optimisation, 6(3), 145–155.
20.
Thiagarajan, G. (1989). “Optimum design self supporting antenna towers,” MS thesis, Indian Inst. of Technol., Madras, India.
21.
Toakley, A. R.(1968). “Optimum design using available sections.”J. Struct. Div., ASCE, 94(5), 1219–1241.
22.
Yates, D. F., Templeman, A. B., and Boffey, T. B.(1982). “The complexity of procedures for determining minimum weight trusses with discrete member sizes.”Int. J. Solids and Struct., 18(6), 487–495.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Mar 1, 1997
Published in print: Mar 1997
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.