OPTIMUM DESIGN OF STEEL SWAY FRAMES USING BIG BANG- BIG CRUNCH ALGORITHM

In this paper, optimum design of steel frames is performed using the Big Bang-Big Crunch (BB-BC) algorithm. The objective of this optimization is to minimize the total weight of the structures subjected to serviceability and strength constraints in accordance with British Standard (BS5950) and AISC-Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD). Designs are evaluated for fitness based on their penalized structural weight, which represents the actual frame weight and the degree to which the design constraints are violated. The considered design examples demonstrate the efficiency of the algorithm, and also the design results based on BS5950 and AISC-LRFD specifications are compared. In general, it is shown that the optimum frames designed based on the AISC-LRFD specification are more economical than those designed in accordance with BS5950.