Design Optimization of Truss Structures by Crystal Structure Algorithm

Optimization is an act of decision-making to reach a point in which the overall behavior of the considered system is acceptable by the field’s experts. In recent decades, construction companies have been willing to provide housing services with lower construction costs that people of different kinds can afford. Although academics have introduced form-dominant methods, using artificial intelligence (AI) in structural design has been one of the most critical challenges in recent years. In the current study, the applicability of the Crystal Structure Algorithm (CryStAl) as one of the recently developed metaheuristic algorithms is investigated in the optimum design of truss structures, in which the basic concepts of crystals, including the lattice and basis, are in perspective. For numerical purposes, the 10-bar, 72-bar, and 200-bar truss structures are considered as design examples. Furthermore, for constraint-handling purposes, a simple penalty approach is implemented in CryStAl. A complete statistical analysis is conducted through multiple optimization runs for comparative purposes; at the same time, other metaheuristic approaches have been derived from the literature. Based on the results of the CryStAl and other methods in dealing with truss optimization problems, the utilized method can provide better and more competitive results in most cases.