Optimization of prestressed concrete bridge girder section using a modified harmony search algorithm

Abstract

Precast I girders provide rapid construction and structural simplicity, making them an increasingly popular choice for bridge construction. The current standard sections adopted by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) are not SI friendly and may be improved utilizing increasingly efficient metaheuristic optimization algorithms. Thus, this research study aims to obtain the optimum shape of Precast I (PCI) bridge girders commonly used in bridge construction due to various advantages. The optimization problem is solved using a modified metaheuristic optimization algorithm considering a number of constraints that are stipulated by the AASHTO LRFD code requirements. To show the capabilities of the utilized modified optimization algorithm, a comparison is performed with its baseline counterpart. The structural design optimization of bridge superstructures is performed with the objective of minimizing the total cost of the resulting superstructure. Consequently, the most economical shape of the PCI girders is obtained. The results of this analysis are then compared AASHTO and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) PCI girders. The new I girder sections exhibits 13–17% and 5–16% better structural efficiency factor (ρ) as well as 14–19% and 4–21% structural efficiency ratio (α) than Caltrans and AASHTO girders, respectively.Thus, new sections for PCI girders are developed having various heights to facilitate more economical design of bridges having various geometric properties such as span length, girder spacing and slab thickness.