Multiobjective optimal design of reinforced concrete frames using two metaheuristic algorithms

Abstract

Genetic algorithm (GA) and differential evolution (DE) are metaheuristic algorithms that have shown a favorable performance in the optimization of complex problems. In recent years, only GA has been widely used for single-objective optimal design of reinforced concrete (RC) structures; however, it has been applied for multiobjective optimization of steel structures. In this article, the total structural cost and the roof displacement are considered as objective functions for the optimal design of the RC frames. Using the weighted sum method (WSM) approach, the two-objective optimization problem is converted to a single-objective optimization problem. The size of the beams and columns are considered as design variables, and the design requirements of the ACI-318 are employed as constraints. Five numerical models are studied to test the efficiency of the GA and DE algorithms. Pareto front curves are obtained for the building models using both algorithms. The detailed results show the accuracy and convergence speed of the algorithms.