• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.475-490
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• 2008

A hybrid tabu-simulated annealing algorithm is proposed for the optimum design of steel frames. The special character of the hybrid algorithm is that it exploits both tabu search and simulated annealing algorithms simultaneously to obtain near optimum. The objective of optimum design problem is to minimize the weight of steel frames under the actual design constraints of AISC-LRFD specification. The performance and reliability of the hybrid algorithm were compared with other algorithms such as tabu search, simulated annealing and genetic algorithm using benchmark examples. The comparisons showed that the hybrid algorithm results in lighter structures for the presented examples.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.421-440
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• 2007

An optimal design method in cooperated with nonlinear inelastic analysis is presented. The proposed nonlinear inelastic method overcomes the difficulties due to incompatibility between the elastic global analysis and the limit state member design in the conventional LRFD method. The genetic algorithm used is a procedure based on Darwinian notions of survival of the fittest, where selection, crossover, and mutation operators are used to look for high performance ones among sections in the database. They are satisfied with the constraint functions and give the lightest weight to the structure. The objective function taken is the total weight of the steel structure and the constraint functions are load-carrying capacity, serviceability, and ductility requirement. Case studies of a planar portal frame, a space two-story frame, and a three-dimensional steel arch bridge are presented.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.4 no.5
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• pp.527-555
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• 2013

This paper proposes probabilistic models for estimating the seismic demands on reinforced concrete (RC) bridges with base isolation. The models consider the shear and deformation demands on the bridge columns and the deformation demand on the isolation devices. An experimental design is used to generate a population of bridges based on the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (AASHTO 2007) and the Caltrans' Seismic Design Criteria (Caltrans 1999). Ground motion records are used for time history analysis of each bridge to develop probabilistic models that are practical and are able to account for the uncertainties and biases in the current, common deterministic model. As application of the developed probabilistic models, a simple method is provided to determine the fragility of bridges. This work facilitates the reliability-based design for this type of bridges and contributes to the transition from limit state design to performance-based design.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.299-313
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• 2015

In this paper, an optimization process using Genetic Algorithm (GA) that mimics biological processes is presented for optimum design of planar frames with semi-rigid connections by selecting suitable standard sections from a specified list taken from American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). The stress constraints as indicated in AISC-LRFD (American Institute of Steel Construction - Load and Resistance Factor Design), maximum lateral displacement constraints and geometric constraints are considered for optimum design. Two different planar frames with semi-rigid connections taken from the literature are carried out first without considering concrete slab effects in finite element analyses and the results are compared with the ones available in literature. The same optimization procedures are then repeated for full and semi rigid planar frames with composite (steel and concrete) beams. A program is developed in MATLAB for all optimization procedures. Results obtained from this study proved that consideration of the contribution of the concrete on the behavior of the floor beams provides lighter planar frames.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2001.10a
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• pp.319-326
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• 2001

In this paper, 3-D frame design using refined plastic-hinge analysis accounting for local buckling is developed. This analysis accounts for material and geometric nonlinearities of the structural system and its component members. Moreover, the problem associated with conventional refined plastic-hinge analyses, which do not consider the degradation of the flexural strength caused by local buckling, is overcome. Efficient ways of assessing steel frame behavior including gradual yielding associated with residual stresses and flexure, second-order effect, and geometric imperfections are presented. In this study, a model consisting of the width-thickness ratio is used to account for local buckling. The proposed analysis is verified by the comparison of the LRFD results.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 1998.10a
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• pp.183-190
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• 1998

In this study, I-type girders, main members of a steel composite bridge, are designed by Load and Resistance Factor Design method as well as Allowable Stress Design method. The width, height web thickness and flange thickness of main girders are set as design variables. The design program connects optimization program ADS, which is coded with FORTRAN, and a main program coded with $C^{++}$. In this study, it is shown that in this particular steel composite bridge, the design by The Load and Resistance Factor Design method is more economical than that by The Allowable Stress Design method.d.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.287-294
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• 2002

An automatic design method of steel frames using nonlinear analysis is developed. The geometric nonlinearity is considered by the use of stability functions. A direct search method is used as an automatic design technique. The unit value of each member is evaluated by using LRFD Interaction equation. The member with the largest unit value Is replaced one by one with an adjacent larger member selected in the database. The weight of the steel frame is taken as an objective function. Load-carrying capacities, deflections, interstory drifts, and ductility requirement are used as constraint functions. Case study of a three-dimensional two story frame are presented.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2001.04a
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• pp.154-161
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• 2001

A procedure of the design optimization for steel box girder bridges using micro genetic algorithms(μGA) is developed. The effect of population size is investigated and the efficiency and reliability of μGA is demonstrated in the optimum design of steel box girder bridges. Optimum design problems of steel box girder bridges are formulated, where tile design of concrete slab is based on the USD specifications and steel box girder based on LRFD respectively. Design of optimizations of single-span and 2-span steel box girder bridges are performed with the population size of 5, 40, 80, and 120, respectively The μGA-based optimum design of the 3-span steel box girder bridge is compared with SQP results.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2001.04a
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• pp.475-480
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• 2001

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the validity of seismic performance evaluation using static analysis. For this purpose, Ordinary Moment Resisting Steel Frames(OMRSF) for different heights(3, 6 ,9, 12 story) and seismic zones(Zone 2A, 2B, 3, 4) were designed in compliance to AISC LRFD 1993 Seismic Provisions and NEHRP 1994 Guidelines. Nonlinear Static Procedure(NSP) and Nonlinear Dynamic Procedure(NDP) with a set of ground motion record were used to evaluate seismic demands in OMRSFs. Using the DRAIN-2DX program, this study compares peak displacement demands(Target Displacement) proposed by FEMA 273 with the peak roof displacement demands obtained from the inelastic time history analyses. Based on the results, the validity of procedure of seismic demand evaluation using Target Displacement is discussed.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 1999.10a
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• pp.143-150
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• 1999

The LRFD Specification defines two sets of limiting width-to-thickness ratios. On the basis of these limiting values, steel sections we subdivided into three categories: compact, noncompact, and slender sections. A compact section is capable of developing a fully plastic stress distribution (plastic moment), and can sustain rotations approximately three times beyond the yield before the possibility of local buckling arises. Noncompact sections can develop the yield stress before local buckling occurs. They may not, however, resist local buckling at the strain levels required to develop the fully plastic stress distribution. In this paper, 1-Type girders of a 2 span continuous steel bridge are divided into compact and non-compact sections and analyzed. In the design process, an optimization skill was adopted and ADS, a Fortran program for Automated Design Synthesis, was used.