Variable functioning and its application to large scale steel frame design optimization

Abstract To solve complex real-world problems, heuristics and concept-based approaches can be used to incorporate information into the problem. In this study, a approach called variable functioning ( Fx ) is introduced reduce optimization variables narrow down search space. method, relationships among one or more subsets of are defined with functions using prior optimization; thus, function optimized instead modifying in process. By problem structure analysis technique engineering expert knowledge, method enhance steel frame design process as Herein, proposed was coupled particle swarm differential evolution algorithms then applied for three case studies. The optimize studies by considering column cross-section areas. results show that significantly improve both convergence rate final structure, even if it only seeding.