An Comparative Study of Metaheuristic Algorithms for the Optimum Design of Structures

Abstract

Metaheuristic algorithms are efficient techniques for a class of mathematical optimization problems without having to deeply adapt to the inherent nature of each problem. They are very useful for structural design optimization in which the cost of gradient computation can be very expensive. Among them, the characteristics of simulated annealing and genetic algorithms are briefly discussed. In Metropolis genetic algorithm, favorable features of Metropolis criterion in simulated annealing are incorporated in the reproduction operations of simple genetic algorithm. Numerical examples of structural design optimization are presented. The example structures are truss, breakwater and steel box girder bridge. From the theoretical evaluation and numerical experience, performance and applicability of metaheuristic algorithms for structural design optimization are discussed.