Optimised Cost Design of Reinforced Concrete Frame

Abstract

Cost optimization of Reinforced Concrete (RC) frames carried out in the present study. A three bay, three storey RC frame is optimised for minimum cost using global optimization toolbox in MATLAB software. The design variables taken for this study are effective depth and area of reinforcement of beams and columns. The design constraints included are geometric, strength and reinforcement areas confirming to IS 456:2000 code. The concept of grouping is incorporated for the simplicity of the design. The material properties are considered as constants. A MATLAB program is developed which expects to input constant parameters like grade of concrete and steel, cost of materials, live load etc. The program output is design variables and the cost of frame for optimized design. Reliable results have been obtained and are validated with manual design by Limit State Method. Comparison of optimised result with ETABS design result is made.