Comparison of Genetic Algorithm and Harmony Search Method for 2D Geometry Optimization

Abstract

There are many applications of Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Harmony Search (HS) Method for solving problems in civil engineering design. The question is, still, which method is better for geometry optimization of a steel structure. The purpose of this paper is to compare GA and HS performance for geometric optimization of a steel structure. This problem is solved by optimizing a steel structure using GA and HS and then comparing the structure's weight as well as the time required for the calculation. In this study, GA produced a structural weight of 2308.00 kg to 2387.00 kg and HS scored 2193.12 kg to 2239.48 kg. The average computational time required by GA is 607 seconds and HS needed 278 seconds. It concludes that HS is faster and better than GA for geometry optimization of a steel structure.