Structural optimization has recently received wide range attention in computer aided design. One of the reasons is rapid development of so vhisticated but inexpensive engineering workstations with graphic capabilities, multi-windows and fast computation. The other reason is acceptance by people in industry of various computer aided engineering systems including reliable analysis capability such...

The application of Heuristic Search Methods for the earthquake resistant design of structural frames is discussed. The Tabu Search method was selected for application to structural weight optimization of steel moment frame structures. A computer program was developed that uses Tabu Search for weight minimization of two-dimensional framed structures. Written in the FORTRAN computer language, the...

We consider structural topology optimization problems including unilateral constraints arising from, for example, non-penetration conditions in contact mechanics or noncompression conditions for elastic ropes. To construct more realistic models and to hedge off possible failures or inefficient behaviour of optimal structures, we allow parameters (for example, loads) defining the problem to be s...

Structural optimization typically aims at high performance levels for a clearly specified set of conditions. Unfortunately, this goal can usually be achieved only by sacrificing robustness of the design. This implies a high sensitivity with respect to unforeseen stochastic situations or unavoidable random manufacturing tolerances. In order to prevent structural failure due to loss of robustness...

A class of search techniques for discrete optimization problems, Heuristic Search Methods, and their suitability for structural optimization are studied. The Tabu Search method is selected for application to structural weight optimization of skeleton structures. The search method is first tested to find the minima of a function in a non-linear non-convex optimization mathematical problem, and a...

In this paper we present the main directions of research in Structural Convex Optimization. In this field, we use additional information on the structure of specific problem instances for accelerating standard Black-Box methods. We show that the proper use of problem structure can provably accelerate these methods by the order of magnitudes. As examples, we consider polynomialtime interior-poin...

This poster paper summarizes ongoing dissertation research (under the direction of Dr. Christopher M. Foley) concerned with the utilization of genetic algorithms for the optimization of steel structures that have semi-rigid connections using advanced inelastic analysis and performance based engineering design. An evolutionary algorithm has been developed that extends the standard genetic algori...