Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A new hybrid algorithm for simultaneous size and semi-rigid connection type optimization of steel frames

  • Published:
International Journal of Steel Structures Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A hybrid algorithm based on Harmony Search (HS) and Big Bang-Big Crunch (BB-BC) optimization methods is proposed for optimal design of semi-rigid steel frames. The algorithm selects suitable sections for beams and columns and assigns suitable semi-rigid connection types for beam-to-column connections, such that the total member plus connection cost of the frame, is minimized. Stress and displacement constraints of AISC-LRFD code together with the size constraints are imposed on the frame in the design procedure. The nonlinear moment-rotation behavior of connections and P-Δ effects of beam-column members are taken into account in the non-linear structural analysis. Three benchmark steel frames are designed and the results are compared with those of standard BB-BC and of other studies. The comparisons demonstrate that proposed algorithm performs better than standard BB-BC and HS methods in all examples and that the total cost of a frame can be reduced through suitable selection of its beam-to-column connection types.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abdalla, K. M. and Chen, W. F. (1995). “Expanded database of semi-rigid steel connections.” Computers & Structures, 56(4), pp. 553–564.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Afshar, M. H. and Motaei, I. (2011). “Constrained big bangbig crunch algorithm for optimal solution of large scale reservoir operation problem.” International Journal of Optimization in Civil Engineering, 1(2), pp. 357–375.

    Google Scholar 

  • AISC-ASD (1989). Manual of steel construction-Allowable Stress Design. American Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago.

    Google Scholar 

  • AISC-LRFD (2001). Manual of steel construction-Load and Resistance Factor Design. American Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alsalloum, Y. A. and Almusallam, T. H. (1995). “Optimality and safety of rigidly-jointed and flexibly-jointed steel frames.” Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 35(2), pp. 189–215.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bayo, E., Cabrero, J. M., and Gil, B. (2006). “An effective component-based method to model semi-rigid connections for the global analysis of steel and composite structures.” Engineering Structures, 28(1), pp. 97–108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • BS5950 (1990). Structural use of steelworks in buildings. British Standards Institution, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Camp, C. V. and Assadollahi, A. (2013). “CO2 and cost optimization of reinforced concrete footings using a hybrid big bang-big crunch algorithm.” Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 48(2), pp. 411–426.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, W. F., Goto, Y., and Liew, J. Y. R. (1996). Stability design of semi-rigid frames. John Wiley & Sons Inc, New York, USA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng, Y. M., Li, L., Lansivaara, T., Chi, S. C., and Sun, Y. J. (2008). “An improved harmony search minimization algorithm using different slip surface generation methods for slope stability analysis.” Engineering Optimization, 40(2), pp. 95–115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chiorean, C. G. (2009). “A computer method for nonlinear inelastic analysis of 3D semi-rigid steel frameworks.” Engineering Structures, 31(12), pp. 3016–3033.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chisala, M. L. (1999). “Modeling M–è Curves for standard beam-to-column connections.” Engineering Structures, 21(12), pp. 1066–1075.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Degertekin, S. O. (2008). “Harmony search algorithm for optimum design of steel frame structures: a comparative study with other optimization methods.” Structural Engineering and Mechanics, 29(4), pp. 391–410.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Degertekin, S. O. and Hayalioglu, M. S. (2010). “Harmony search algorithm for minimum cost design of steel frames with semi-rigid connections and column bases.” Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 42(5), pp. 755–768.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Erol, O. K. and Eksin, I. (2006). “A new optimization method: big bang-big crunch.” Advances in Engineering Software, 37(2), pp. 106–111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eurocode 3 (1992). Design of Steel Structures — Part I: General rules and rules for buildings. Committee European de Normalisation (CEN), Brussels.

    Google Scholar 

  • Faella, C., Piluso, V., and Rizzano, G. (2000). Structural steel semi-rigid connections. CRC Press, Boca Raton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frye, M. J. and Morris, G. A. (1975). “Analysis of flexibly connected steel frames.” Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, 2(3), pp. 280–291.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geem, Z. W. (2007). “Optimal scheduling of multiple dam system using harmony search algorithm.” Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 4507, pp. 316–323.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geem, Z. W., Kim, J. H., and Loganathan, G. V. (2001). “A new heuristic optimization algorithm: harmony search.” Simulation, 76(2), pp. 60–68.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hadidi, A. and Rafiee, A. (2014). “Harmony search based, improved particle swarm optimizer for minimum cost design of semi-rigid steel frames.” Structural Engineering and Mechanics, 50(3), pp. 323–347.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hayalioglu, M. S. and Degertekin, S. O. (2005). “Minimum cost design of steel frames with semi-rigid connections and column bases via genetic optimization.” Computers & Structures, 83(21–22), pp. 1849–1863.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ihaddoudène, A. N. T., Saidani, M., and Chemrouk, M. (2009). “Mechanical model for the analysis of steel frames with semi rigid joints.” Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 65(3), pp. 631–640.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kameshki, E. S. and Saka, M. P. (2003). “Genetic algorithm based optimum design of nonlinear planar steel frames with various semi-rigid connections.” Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 59(1), pp. 109–134.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaveh, A. and Moez, H. (2008). “Minimal cycle bases for analysis of frames with semi-rigid joints.” Computers & Structures, 86(6), pp. 503–510.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaveh, A. and Talatahari, S. (2009). “Size optimization of space trusses using big bang-big crunch algorithm.” Computers & Structures, 87(17–18), pp. 1129–1140.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaveh, A. and Talatahari, S. (2010a). “A discrete big bangbig crunch algorithm for optimal design of skeletal structures.” Asian Journal of Civil Engineering, 11(1), pp. 103–122.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaveh, A. and Talatahari, S. (2010b). “Optimal design of schwedler and ribbed domes via hybrid big bang–big crunch alghoritm.” Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 66(3), pp. 412–419.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim, J. H., Ghaboussi, J., and Elnashai, A. S. (2010). “Mechanical and informational modeling of steel beamto-column connections.” Engineering Structures, 32(2), pp. 449–458.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kishi, N., Chen, W. F., and Goto, Y. (1997). “Effective length factor of columns in semi-rigid and unbraced frames.” Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE, 123(3), pp. 313–320.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, K. S. and Geem, Z. W. (2005). “A new meta-heuristic algorithm for continuous engineering optimization: harmony search theory and practice.” Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 194(36–38), pp. 3902–3933.

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Mun, S. and Geem, Z. W. (2009). “Determination of viscoelastic and damage properties of hot mix asphalt concrete using a harmony search algorithm.” Mechanics of Materials, 41(3), pp. 339–353.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nguyen, P. C. and Kim, S. E. (2013). “Nonlinear elastic dynamic analysis of space steel frames with semi-rigid connections.” Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 84(5), pp. 72–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rafiee, A., Talatahari, S., and Hadidi, A. (2013). “Optimum design of steel frames with semi-rigid connections using big bang-big crunch method.” Steel and Composite Structures, 14(5), pp. 431–451.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rajeev, S. and Krishnamoorthy, C. S. (1992). “Discrete optimization of structures using genetic algorithms.” Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE, 118(5), pp. 1233–1250.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saka, M. P. (2009). “Optimum design of steel sway frames to BS5950 using harmony search algorithm.” Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 65(1), pp. 36–43.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Saka, M. P. and Erdal, F. (2009). “Harmony search based algorithm for the optimum design of grillage systems to LRFD-AISC.” Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 38(1), pp. 25–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simoes, L. M. C. (1996). “Optimization of frames with semi-rigid connections.” Computers & Structures, 60(4), pp. 531–539.

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Tang, H., Zhou, J., Xue, S., and Xie, L. (2010). “Big bangbig crunch optimization for parameter estimation in structural systems.” Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 24(8), pp. 2888–2897.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Valipour, H. R. and Bradford, M. A. (2013). “Nonlinear PÄ analysis of steel frames with semi-rigid connections.” Steel and Composite Structures, 14(1), pp. 1–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu, Z., Zhang, S., and Jiang, S. F. (2012). “Simulation of tensile bolts in finite element modeling of semi-rigid beam-to-column connections.” International Journal of Steel Structures, 12(3), pp. 339–350.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu, L. and Grierson, D. E. (1993). “Computer automated design of semi-rigid steel frameworks.” Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE, 119(6), pp. 1740–1760.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

    Ali Hadidi & Amin Rafiee

Authors
  1. Ali Hadidi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Amin Rafiee
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Amin Rafiee.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Hadidi, A., Rafiee, A. A new hybrid algorithm for simultaneous size and semi-rigid connection type optimization of steel frames. Int J Steel Struct 15, 89–102 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13296-015-3006-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13296-015-3006-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation