Variable Functioning and Its Application to Large Scale Steel Frame Design Optimization

Abstract

To solve complex real-world problems, heuristics and concept-based approaches can be used in order to incorporate information into the problem. In this study, a concept-based approach called variable functioning (F x) is introduced to reduce the optimization variables and narrow down the search space. In this method, the relationships among one or more subset of variables are defined with functions using information prior to optimization; thus, instead of modifying the variables in the search process, the function variables are optimized. By using problem structure analysis technique and engineering expert knowledge, the F x method is used to enhance the steel frame design optimization process as a complex real-world problem. The proposed approach is coupled with particle swarm optimization and differential evolution algorithms and used for three case studies. The algorithms are applied to optimize