• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.86 no.3
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• pp.337-348
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• 2023

The optimization of reinforced concrete (RC) cantilever retaining walls is a complex problem and requires the use of advanced techniques like metaheuristic algorithms. For this purpose, an optimization model must first be developed, which involves mathematical complications, multidisciplinary knowledge, and programming skills. This task has proven to be too arduous and has halted the mainstream acceptance of optimization. Therefore, it is necessary to unravel the complications of optimization into an easily applicable form. Currently, the most commonly used method for designing retaining walls is by following the proportioning limits provided by the ACI handbook. However, these limits, derived manually, are not verified by any optimization technique. There is a need to validate or modify these limits, using optimization algorithms to consider them as optimal limits. Therefore, this study aims to propose updated proportioning limits for the economical design of a RC cantilever retaining wall through a comprehensive parametric investigation using the genetic algorithm (GA). Multiple simulations are run to examine various design parameters, and trends are drawn to determine effective ranges. The optimal limits are derived for 5 geometric and 3 reinforcement variables and validated by comparison with their predecessor, ACI's preliminary proportioning limits. The results indicate close proximity between the optimized and code-provided ranges; however, the use of optimal limits can lead to additional cost optimization. Modifications to achieve further optimization are also discussed. Besides the geometric variables, other design parameters not covered by the ACI building code, like reinforcement ratios, bar diameters, and material strengths, and their effects on cost optimization, are also discussed. The findings of this investigation can be used by experienced engineers to refine their designs, without delving into the complexities of optimization.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.405-426
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• 2014

In this paper, a new meta-heuristic algorithm named Ranked Particles Optimization (RPO), is presented. This algorithm is not inspired from natural or physical phenomena. However, it is based on numerous researches in the field of meta-heuristic optimization algorithms. In this algorithm, like other meta-heuristic algorithms, optimization process starts with by producing a population of random solutions, Particles, located in the feasible search space. In the next step, cost functions corresponding to all random particles are evaluated and some of those having minimum cost functions are stored. These particles are ranked and their weighted average is calculated and named Ranked Center. New solutions are produced by moving each particle along its previous motion, the ranked center, and the best particle found thus far. The robustness of this algorithm is verified by solving some mathematical and structural optimization problems. Simplicity of implementation and reaching to desired solution are two main characteristics of this algorithm.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.445-468
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• 2014

In this paper a new particle swarm ray optimization algorithm is proposed for truss shape and size optimization with natural frequency constraints. These problems are believed to represent nonlinear and non-convex search spaces with several local optima and therefore are suitable for examining the capabilities of new algorithms. The proposed algorithm can be viewed as a hybridization of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and the recently proposed Ray Optimization (RO) algorithms. In fact the exploration capabilities of the PSO are tried to be promoted using some concepts of the RO. Five numerical examples are examined in order to inspect the viability of the proposed algorithm. The results are compared with those of the PSO and some other existing algorithms. It is shown that the proposed algorithm obtains lighter structures in comparison to other methods most of the time. As will be discussed, the algorithm's performance can be attributed to its appropriate exploration/exploitation balance.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.901-911
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• 2015

The goal of this study is to investigate computational convergence of optimal solutions, with respect to optimality criteria (OC) method and methods of moving asymptotes (MMA) as optimization model for non-linear programming of material topology optimization using an acceleration method that makes design variables rapidly move toward almost 0 and 1 values. 99 line topology optimization MATLAB code uses loop vectorization and memory pre-allocation as properly exploiting the strengths of MATLAB and moves portions of code out of the optimization loop so that they are only executed once as restructuring the program. Numerical examples of a simple beam under a lateral load and a given material density limitation provide merits and demerits of the present OC and MMA for 99 line topology optimization code of continuous material topology optimization design.

• International Journal of Fuzzy Logic and Intelligent Systems
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.173-180
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• 2012

This paper proposes a novel optimization algorithm inspired by water flowing and shaking behaviors in a vessel. Water drops in our algorithm flow to the gradient descent direction and are sometimes shaken for getting out of local optimum areas when most water drops fall in local optimum areas. These flowing and shaking operations allow our algorithm to quickly approach to the global optimum without staying in local optimum areas. We experimented our algorithm with four function optimization problems and compared its results with those of particle swarm optimization. Experimental results showed that our algorithm is superior to the particle swarm optimization algorithm in terms of the speed and success ratio of finding the global optimum.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society for Simulation Conference
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• 1994.10a
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• pp.1-2
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• 1994

With the prevalence of computers in modern organizations, simulation is receiving more atention as an effectvie decision -making tool. Simualtion is a computer-based numerical technique which uses mathmatical and logical models to approximate the behaviror of a real-world system. However, iptimization of synamic stochastic systems often defy analytical and algorithmic soluions. Although a simulation approach is often free fo the liminting assumption s of mathematical modeling, cost and time consiceration s make simulation the henayst's last resort. Therefore, whenever possible, analytical and algorithmica solutions are favored over simulation. This paper discussed the issues and procedrues for using simulation as a tool for optimization of stochastic complex systems that are dmodeled by computer simulation . Its emphasis is mostly on issues that are speicific to simulation optimization instead of consentrating on the general optimizationand mathematical programming techniques . A simulation optimization problem is an optimization problem where the objective function. constraints, or both are response that can only be evauated by computer simulation. As such, these functions are only implicit functions of decision parameters of the system, and often stochastic in nature as well. Most of optimization techniqes can be classified as single or multiple-resoneses techniques . The optimization of single response functins has been researched extensively and consists of many techniques. In the single response category, these strategies are gradient based search techniques, stochastic approximate techniques, response surface techniques, and heuristic search techniques. In the multiple response categroy, there are basically five distinct strategies for treating the responses and finding the optimum solution. These strategies are graphica techniqes, direct search techniques, constrained optimization techniques, unconstrained optimization techniques, and goal programming techniques. The choice of theprocedreu to employ in simulation optimization depends on the analyst and the problem to be solved. For many practival and industrial optimization problems where some or all of the system components are stochastic, the objective functions cannot be represented analytically. Therefore, modeling by computersimulation is one of the most effective means of studying such complex systems. In this paper, after discussion of simulation optmization techniques, the applications of above techniques will be presented in the modeling process of many flexible manufacturing systems.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.517-527
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• 2011

A topology optimization and shape optimization method are widely used in the design area of engineering field. In this paper, a unified procedure to combine both topology and shape optimization method is used. A material distribution method is used first to extract necessary design parameters of the structure and a shape optimization scheme using genetic algorithm and satisfying all the condition follows. As an example, a GFRP bridge deck is designed and compared with other commercial products. The performance of the designed deck shows that the used design procedure is very efficient and safe. This procedure can be generalized for using in other areas of engineering.

• Architectural research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.15-23
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• 2009

An application of the constrained adaptive topology optimization (CATO) algorithm is described for three-dimensional topology optimization of engineering structures. The enhanced assumed strain lower order solid finite element (FE) is used to evaluate the values of objective and constraint functions required in optimization process. The strain energy (SE) terms such as elastic and modal SEs are employed as the objective function to be minimized and the initial volume of structures is introduced as the constraint function. The SIMP model is adopted to facilitate the material redistribution and also to produce clearer and more distinct structural topologies. The linearly weighted objective function is introduced to consider both static and dynamic characteristics of structures. Several numerical tests are tackled and it is used to investigate the performance of the proposed three-dimensional topology optimization process. From numerical results, it is found to be that the CATO algorithm is easy to implement and extremely applicable to produce the reasonable optimum topologies for three dimensional optimization problems.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.325-337
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• 2006

A hybrid structural design and optimization methodology that combines the strengths of genetic algorithms, local search techniques, and parallel computing is developed to evolve optimal truss systems in this research effort. The primary objective that is met in evolving near-optimal or optimal structural systems using this approach is the capability of satisfying user-defined design criteria while minimizing the computational time required. The application of genetic algorithms to the design and optimization of truss systems supports conceptual design by facilitating the exploration of new design alternatives. In addition, final shape optimization of the evolved designs is supported through the refinement of member sizes using local search techniques for further improvement. The use of the hybrid approach, therefore, enhances the overall process of structural design. Parallel computing is implemented to reduce the total computation time required to obtain near-optimal designs. The support of human-computer interaction during layout optimization and local optimization is also discussed since it assists in evolving optimal truss systems that better satisfy a user's design requirements and design preferences.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.5 no.5
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• pp.609-624
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• 1997

The optimization of cutouts in composite plates was investigated by implementing a procedure known as Evolutionary Structural Optimization. Perforations were introduced into a finite element mesh of the plate from which one or more cutouts of a predetermined size were evolved. In the examples presented, plates were rejected from around each evolving cutout based on a predefined rejection criterion. The limiting ply within each plate element around the cutout was determined based on the Tsai-Hill failure criterion. Finite element plates with values below the product of the average Tsai-Hill number and a rejection criterion were subsequently removed. This process was iterated until a steady state was reached and the rejection criterion was then incremented by an evolutionary rate and the above steps repeated until the desired cutout area was achieved. Various plates with differing lay-up and loading parameters were investigated to demonstrate the generality and robustness of this optimization procedure.