Design Optimization of Reinforced Concrete Frames

Abstract

In this paper, a design optimization for the reinforced concrete plane frame structure has been done in order to minimize the cost of the concrete and steel for beams and columns by adopting the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) computational model trough the NeuroShell-2 software program. The design procedure conforms to the ACI-318-08 Code. The variables used for design optimization are the width, depth and the area of reinforced steel, including longitudinal reinforcement and shear reinforcement. A three-bay two-story RC frame is modeled with selecting different span length and different load cases.