Structural optimization, when approached by conventional (gradient based) minimization algorithms presents several difficulties, mainly related to computational aspects for the huge number of nonlinear analyses required, that regard both Objective Functions (OFs) and Constraints. Moreover, from the early '80s to today's, Evolutionary Algorithms have been successfully developed and applied as a ...

In recent years, it has become obvious that deterministic optimization of structures no longer is appropriate. Increasing demands with respect to safety, reliability and quality in structural engineering require the integration of probabilistic phenomena as well as the consideration of real-world stochastic processes induced in the structures. Within the present contribution two distinct resear...

The particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is an instance of a successful application of the philosophy of bounded rationality and decentralized decision making for solving global optimization problems. A number of advantages with respect to other evolutionary algorithms are attributed to PSO making it a prospective candidate for optimum structural design. The PSO-based algorithm is robust an...

This study is investigated the optimum parameters for a tuned mass damper (TMD) under the seismic excitation. Shuffled complex evolution (SCE) is a meta-heuristic optimization method which is used to find the optimum damping and tuning frequency ratio for a TMD. The efficiency of the TMD is evaluated by decreasing the structural displacement dynamic magnification factor (DDMF) and acceleration ...

In this paper, following a two-stage methodology, the differential quadrature element (DQE) model of a three-story frame structure is updated for the vibration analysis. In the first stage, the mass and stiffness matrices are updated using the experimental natural frequencies. Then, having the updated mass and stiffness matrices, the structural damping matrix is updated to minimize the error be...

Shape annealing, a computational design method applied to structural design, has been extended to the design of traditional and innovative three-dimensional domes that incorporate the design goals of efficiency, economy, utility, and elegance. In contrast to deterministic structural optimization methods, shape annealing, a stochastic method, uses lateral exploration to generate multiple designs...

In the present paper, an approach is proposed for structural topology optimization based on combination of Radial Basis Function (RBF) Level Set Method (LSM) with Isogeometric Analysis (IGA). The corresponding combined algorithm is detailed. First, in this approach, the discrete problem is formulated in Isogeometric Analysis framework. The objective function based on compliance of particular lo...

In this article, topology optimization of two-dimensional (2D) building frames subjected to seismic loading is performed using the polygonal finite element method. Artificial ground motion accelerograms compatible with the design response spectrum of ASCE 7-16 are generated for the response history dynamic analysis needed in the optimization. The mean compliance of structure is minimized as a t...

due to the probabilistic nature and uncertainties of structural parameters, reliability-based optimization will enable engineers to account for the safety of the structures and allow for its decision making applicability. thus, reliability-based design will substitute deterministic rules of codes of practice. space structures are of those types that have an exceedingly high range of applicabili...