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Optimization of Location, Topology and Number of Bracing Spans in Steel Structures Using Multi Meta-Heuristic Based Search Method and Dynamic Constraints

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Abstract

This study aims to optimize the weight of steel frames (as the objective function) to satisfy the legal constraints (inter-story drift and strength). The ultimate goal was to select an optimal arrangement and coordinate the two types of convergent bracing (multi-story X-bracing and X-bracing) in low, mid, and high-rise steel frames with specific dimensions and spans. In the end, an optimal weight design will be presented for the frames under the design constraints (by LRFD method), frequency, drift, and position of braces in frame height, and the amount of the tensile force of braces. Since the frequency constraints in design variables are highly nonlinear and non-convex, it is cumbersome to use them in optimization problems. In this research, the frames have been optimized using the connection between two software OPENSEES and MATLAB based on a multi meta-heuristic optimization algorithm with discrete variables (a new, mixed-method based on parallel island model with four islands). The findings of this research include the optimal position of braces, sections, and convergence history for the frames under a multi meta-heuristic optimization algorithm. The diagrams of convergence history were also provided for the particle swarm algorithm in mid-rise frames. The results show the superiority of the multi meta-heuristic search algorithm in the convergence speed and the quality of the optimal response compared to the particle swarm optimization algorithm. Optimizing with the multi meta-heuristic algorithm reduces the impact of parameters and the relations governing the operation. Finally, the optimal design is obtained. According to the results, the multi-story X-bracing frames (the combination of inverted V-Bracing and V-Bracing) have more optimized weight and, thus, better structural response than the X-bracing frames. Placing braces in the middle spans of frames and adjacent to each other was the optimal design and position for all frames.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Civil Engineering, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran

    Amirhosein Mohajer & Vahidreza Kalatjari

  2. School of Engineering, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran

    Mohammadhosein Talebpour

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  1. Amirhosein Mohajer
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  2. Vahidreza Kalatjari
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  3. Mohammadhosein Talebpour
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Correspondence to Amirhosein Mohajer.

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I as a corresponding author assert that our scientific group did not receive payment or services from a third party (government, commercial, private foundation and etc.) for any aspect of the submitted revised work. I disclose that there is no actual or potential conflict of interest including any financial, personal or other relationships with other people or organizations within three years of beginning the submitted revised work.

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Mohajer, A., Kalatjari, V. & Talebpour, M. Optimization of Location, Topology and Number of Bracing Spans in Steel Structures Using Multi Meta-Heuristic Based Search Method and Dynamic Constraints. Int J Steel Struct 22, 112–133 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13296-021-00563-1

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