Multi-Objective Optimization of Reinforced Concrete Frames using Genetic Algorithm and Weighted Sum Method

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

zanjan university

Abstract

Over the last decades, optimization of structures has been the subject of extensive investigations and optimization using Genetic Algorithms (GA’s) has been studied intensively. Many researchers have been focused on the weight optimization of buildings mainly on steel structures rather than reinforced concrete (RC) frames. One of the challenges in multi-objective optimization of steel and RC buildings is to determine the balance between objective functions in order to find the Pareto-front. In this study, weighted sum method (WSM) optimization technique is utilized to solve RC frames optimization problems to minimize simultaneously cost and displacement, as objective functions, subject to the stress, displacement, size and other related constraints, based on the ACI 318-11 code. For this purpose, first, using WSM technique the two objective functions is converted in to single objective function and then GA applied for optimization procedure. Three design models of 4, 8 and 12-story RC frames are introduced as representative for short, mid and high rise buildings.  Cross section of beams and columns are employed as design variables. The Pareto front for building models is obtained. To validate the results, they are compared to those obtained by ant colony optimization (ACO). The results illustrate the accuracy and rapidity of the proposed method.

Keywords


[1] M. Hoit, A. Soeiro, F. Fagunda, “Probabilistic Design and Optimization of Reinforced Concrete Frames”, journal of engineering optimization, Vol. 17, 1991, pp. 229-235.
[2] A. Adamu, B.L. Karihaloo, G.I.N. Rozvany, “Minimum Cost Design of Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Continuum-Type Optimality”, structural and multidisciplinary optimization, Vol. 7, 1994, pp. 91-102.
[3] R.J. Baling, X. Yao, “Optimization of Reinforced Concrete Frames”, Journal of structural engineering, Vol. 123, 1997, pp. 193-202.
[4] Ch.V. Camp, Sh. Pezeshk, H. Hansson, “Flexural design of reinforced concrete frames using a genetic algorithm”, Journal of structural engineering, Vol. 129, 2003, pp. 105-115.
[5] E. Sanaei, & M. Babaei, “Topology Optimization of Structures using Cellular Automata with Constant Strain Triangles”. International Journal of Civil Engineering, Vol. 10, 2012, pp. 179-188.
[6] E. Sanaei, & M. Babaei, “Cellular Automata in Topology Optimization of Continuum Structures”, International Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology, Vol. 3, 2011, pp. 27-41.
[7] M. Babaei, “The Economical Effect of Ductility Levels on Reinforced Concrete Frames Design”, American Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering, Vol. 2, 2015, pp. 1-6.
[8] M. Babaei,” Exploring Practical Optimal Topology for Reinforced Concrete Moment Resisting Frame Structures”, American Journal of Civil Engineering, Vol. 3, 2015, pp. 102-106.
[9] M. Babaei M., E. Sanaei, “Multi-objective Optimal Design of Braced Frames using Hybrid Genetic and Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm”, Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, Vol. 10, 2016, pp. 472-480.
[10] K.C. Sarama, H. Adeli, “Cost Optimization of Concrete Structures”, Journal of structural engineering, Vol. 124, 1998, pp. 570-578.
[11] R.T. Marler, J.S. Arora, “Survey of Multi-Objective Optimization Methods for Engineering”, Structural and multidisc iplinary optimization, Vol. 26, 2004, pp. 369-395.
[12] V.M. Carrillo, H. Taboada, “A post-Pareto approach for multi-objective decision making using a non-uniform weight generator method”, Procedia computer science, Vol. 12, 2012, pp. 16-121.
[13] J. Anderson, “Multiobjective Optimization in Engineering Design”, a dissertation submitted to the Institution of Technology Linköpings Universitet, 2001.
[14] A. Ghosh, “Evolutionary Algorithms for Multi-Criterion Optimization: A survey”, international journal of computing and information science, Vol. 2, 2004, pp. 38-57.
[15] H.G. Kwak, J. Kim, “An Integrated Genetic Algorithm Complemented with Direct Optimum Design of RC Frame”, Computer-Aided design, Vol. 41, 2009, pp. 490-500.
[16] A. Kaveh, O. Sabzi, “A Comparative Study of Two Meta-Heuristic Algorithm for Optimum Design of Reinforce Concrete Frames”, International journal of civil engineering, Vol. 9, 2010, pp. 193-206.
[17] A. Kaveh, O. Sabzi, “Optimal design of reinforced concrete frames using big bang big crunch algorithm, Vol. 10, 2012, pp. 189-200.