Optimum Design of Scallop Domes for Dynamic Time History Loading by Harmony Search-Firefly Algorithm

This paper presents an efficient meta-heuristic algorithm for optimization of double-layer scallop domes subjected to earthquake loading. The optimization is performed by a combination of harmony search (HS) and firefly algorithm (FA). This new algorithm is called harmony search firefly algorithm (HSFA). The optimization task is achieved by taking into account geometrical and material nonlinearities. Operation of HSFA includes three phases. In the first phase, a preliminary optimization is accomplished using HS. In the second phase, an optimal initial population is produced using the first phase results. In the last phase, FA is employed to find optimum design using the produced optimal initial population. The optimum design obtained by HSFA is compared with those of HS and FA. It is demonstrated that the HSFA converges to better solution compared to the other algorithms.