Discrete variable optimization of structures subjected to dynamic loads using equivalent static loads and metaheuristic algorithms

• Published in: Optimization and engineering Vol. 23; no. 2; pp. 643 - 687
• Main Authors: Al-Bazoon, Mustafa, Arora, Jasbir S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.06.2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Algorithms; Control; Design optimization; Dynamic loads; Engineering; Environmental Management; Equivalence; Financial Engineering; Heuristic methods; Mathematics; Mathematics and Statistics; Operations Research/Decision Theory; Optimization; Research Article; Static loads; Steel construction; Systems Theory; Dynamic loads; Structural optimization; Equivalent static loads method; Metaheuristic algorithms; Discrete variables
• ISSN: 1389-4420; 1573-2924; 1573-2924
• DOI: 10.1007/s11081-021-09599-y

This paper presents a new computational procedure for optimization of structures subjected to dynamic loads. The optimization problem is formulated with discrete design variables that represent the members from a table of commercially available members. Also, the requirements in the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) manual are formulated as constraints. This results in a nondifferentiable optimization problem. In the new procedure, the dynamic load is transformed into equivalent static loads (ESLs). Then the static response optimization problem having discrete design variables is solved using a metaheuristic optimization algorithm. Three methods to calculate the ESLs are investigated. It is found that the ESL cycles cannot converge to the final design. Therefore after a few ESL cycles, the original dynamic loads need to be used in the optimization process. Four example problems are solved to analyze the procedure. Based on this analysis, it is concluded that the new procedure is more efficient compared to a procedure that does not use the ESL cycles because it reduces the total CPU effort to obtain the final design. Also, better final designs are found. The reason is that many more designs are analyzed very efficiently with the ESL procedure.