Optimum design of 3D reinforced concrete building frames with the flower pollination algorithm

Abstract

The flower pollination algorithm (FPA) is a highly efficient metaheuristic optimization algorithm that is inspired by the pollination process of flowering species. FPA is characterised by simplicity in its formulation as well as high computational performance and it has been found to outperform other well-established algorithms in a range of diverse optimization problems. The present study applies, for first time, the FPA to the computationally challenging optimum design of real-world 3D reinforced concrete (RC) building frame structures after a set of appropriate modifications to its original formulation. To serve this goal, a new computationally efficient framework for the optimum design of 3D RC frames is developed that is interacting with the well-known software SAP2000 for the purposes of structural analysis and design. The framework is then applied to the minimum material cost design of a 4-storey and a 12-storey RC building in accordance with Eurocode regulations. It is found that the FPA exhibits better or similar computational performance than other well-established algorithms in these optimization tasks. Furthermore, parameter tuning analysis reveals the FPA parameter values that maximize its computational performance in the optimum structural design of 3D RC building frames.