Empirical Analysis of Memetic Algorithms for Conceptual Design of Steel Structural Systems in Tall Buildings

Abstract

This paper discusses the results of extensive design experiments in which memetic algorithms were applied to optimize topologies of steel structural systems in tall buildings. In these experiments, evolutionary algorithms were employed to determine optimal configurations of structural members (topology optimization) while the optimal cross-sections of members (sizing optimization) were found using continuous/discrete optimization algorithm implemented in SODA. The impact of all major evolutionary computation parameters on the performance of memetic algorithms was investigated. Two classes of complex structural design problems were considered: design of a wind bracing system in a tall building and design of the entire steel structural system in a tall building. The total weight of the structural system was assumed as the optimality criterion with respect to which the designs were optimized while satisfying all design requirements specified by appropriate design codes.