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Multi-objective design of post-tensioned concrete road bridges using artificial neural networks

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Abstract

In order to minimize the total expected cost, bridges have to be designed for safety and durability. This paper considers the cost, the safety, and the corrosion initiation time to design post-tensioned concrete box-girder road bridges. The deck is modeled by finite elements based on problem variables such as the cross-section geometry, the concrete grade, and the reinforcing and post-tensioning steel. An integrated multi-objective harmony search with artificial neural networks (ANNs) is proposed to reduce the high computing time required for the finite-element analysis and the increment in conflicting objectives. ANNs are trained through the results of previous bridge performance evaluations. Then, ANNs are used to evaluate the constraints and provide a direction towards the Pareto front. Finally, exact methods actualize and improve the Pareto set. The results show that the harmony search parameters should be progressively changed in a diversification-intensification strategy. This methodology provides trade-off solutions that are the cheapest ones for the safety and durability levels considered. Therefore, it is possible to choose an alternative that can be easily adjusted to each need.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the financial support of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, along with FEDER funding (BRIDLIFE Project: BIA2014-56574-R) and the Research and Development Support Program of Universitat Politècnica de València (PAID-02-15).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Concrete Science and Technology (ICITECH), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain

    Tatiana García-Segura & Víctor Yepes

  2. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Engineering Research Center for Advanced Technology for Large Structural Systems (ATLSS Center), Lehigh University, 117 ATLSS Dr., Bethlehem, PA, 18015-4729, USA

    Dan M. Frangopol

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  1. Tatiana García-Segura
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  2. Víctor Yepes
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  3. Dan M. Frangopol
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Correspondence to Tatiana García-Segura.

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García-Segura, T., Yepes, V. & Frangopol, D.M. Multi-objective design of post-tensioned concrete road bridges using artificial neural networks. Struct Multidisc Optim 56, 139–150 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-017-1653-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-017-1653-0

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