Optimum design of planar steel frames using the Search Group Algorithm

Abstract

This paper presents a design procedure employing the Search Group Algorithm (SGA) for discrete optimization of planar steel frames. SGA is a global optimization heuristic algorithm that has been developed recently. It is based on search groups that explore the design space in a global phase and exploit the best domain regions found in a local phase. The algorithm is used in a structural optimization problem to obtain minimum weight frames subjected to strength and displacement requirements imposed by the American Institute for Steel Construction (AISC) Load and Resistance Factor Design. Designs are obtained by selecting appropriate W-shaped sections from a standard set of steel sections specified by the AISC. Three frame examples from the literature are examined to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the SGA for this type of problem. The results of the SGA are compared to those of state of art algorithms showing that SGA is a competitive meta-heuristic search procedure for engineering design applications.