Member Sizing Optimization of Large Scale Steel Space Trusses Using a Symbiotic Organisms Search Algorithm

Abstract

A systematic approach of optimization is needed to achieve an optimal design of large and complex truss structures. In the last three decades, several researchers have developed and applied various metaheuristic optimization methods to the design of truss structures. This paper investigates a new metaheuristic algorithm called symbiotic organisms search (SOS) for member sizing optimization of relatively large steel trusses. The case studies include a 120-bar dome truss and a 942-bar tower truss. The structural analyses are carried out using the standard finite element method. The profiles of the truss members are circular hollow structural sections selected from a set of the American Institute of Steel Construction standard profiles. The design results using the SOS are then compared to those obtained using other metaheuristic methods, namely the particle swarm optimization, differential evolution, and teaching-learning-based optimization. The comparison shows the superior performance of the SOS in terms of the optimal solution, consistency, and convergence. Thus, the SOS is a good alternative for optimizing the design of steel truss structures in real engineering practice.

An Improved JSO and Its Application in Spreader Optimization of Large Span Corridor Bridge

“…Using the well-known Big Bang-Big Crunch algorithm, the minimum weight design of steel truss is carried out under periodic and a periodic excitation; Grzywinski et al [5] proposed a novel and effective Jaya optimization algorithm for optimization the best quality of the supporting dome structure with natural frequency constraints; Habibi et al [6] considered the geometric nonlinearity problem using the total Lagrangian formula, and obtain a nonlinear solution by introducing and minimizing the objective function constrained by the displacement type; Artar et al [7] studied the optimal design of steel space truss towers under seismic load by using the Jaya optimization algorithm; Kaveh et al [8] proposed a new Gaussian diagram-based Chaotic Firefly Algorithm (CGFA) for structural optimization problems. Wong et al [9] investigated a new meta-heuristic algorithm called symbiotic organism search (SOS) for component size optimization of relatively large steel trusses; Ha et al [10] developed an effective method to optimize nonlinear steel frames under several load combinations, considering the panel area for the first time in the optimization design. The double-layer board is designed to prevent shear deformation of the panel area; Gholizadeh et al [11] proposed a new and efficient meta-heuristic, the Newtonian meta-heuristic (NMA).…”