Discrete Design Optimization of Space Steel Frames Using the Adaptive Firefly Algorithm

Abstract

Optimum design of steel frames is a complicated process because the designer has to consider a large number of nonlinear constraints which are imposed by steel design codes while also dealing with discrete design variables. Obtaining the optimum solution to discrete programming problems was never easy until the emergence of metaheuristic techniques. The firefly algorithm, one of the recent metaheuristic techniques that is based on the idealized behaviour of the flashing characteristics of fireflies. In this paper, the optimum design problem of steel space frames is formulated according to the provisions of LRFD-AISC (Load and Resistance Factor Design) [1]. The firefly optimization technique is used to obtain the solution to the design problem. A number of space frames is designed using the firefly algorithm developed in order to test the performance of the firefly algorithm for structural design problem. © Civil-Comp Press, 2012.