Construction of concrete structures involves at least three different materials: concrete, steel, and formwork. As such, design of these structures should be based on cost rather than weight minimization. A review of papers on cost optimization of concrete structures published in archival journals is presented in this paper. These structures include beams, slabs, columns, frame structures, bridges, water tanks, folded plates, shear walls, pipes, and tensile members. Interesting and important results and conclusions are summarized. A review of reliability-based cost optimization is also included in the paper. It is concluded that there is a need to perform research on cost optimization of realistic three-dimensional structures, especially large structures with hundreds of members where optimization can result in substantial savings. The results of such research efforts will be of great value to practicing engineers. Additional research needs to be done on life-cycle cost optimization of structures where th...

Cost Optimization of Concrete Structures

The optimization of three-dimensional (3D) reinforced concrete frames is discussed. The validity of the assumption that optimum concrete-section dimensions are insensitive to the number, diameter, and longitudinal distribution (topology) of reinforcing bars is examined. The validity of this assumption is examined by comparing optimum results from a multilevel method that simultaneously optimizes concrete-section dimensions and the number, diameter, and topology of the reinforcing bars to a traditional method that represents the number, diameter, and topology of the reinforcing bars through the single design variable, \iA\i\ds, the total area of steel. Based on results from the comparison, a new method, referred to as the simplified method, is presented and recommended as the most efficient method for the optimization of reinforced concrete frames. The methods are applied to 3D one-, two-, and four-story frames subjected to load combinations involving dead, live, snow, and seismic loads.

Optimization of Reinforced Concrete Frames

Optimization may be used in many engineering disciplines, and structural engineering is one among them. Structural optimization deals with topology geometry and size optimization of different kinds of structures such as frames, trusses, plates, and shells to achieve minimum cost, weight, or other specific goals. A basic understanding of optimization problem specifications and the capabilities and incapabilities of solution techniques is vital for researchers in this field. There are many different kinds of structural optimization problems and solution techniques. Structural optimization problems are mostly nonlinear because of their objective(s) and constraint(s). They usually have many local minimums, which make them complex and difficult to solve using classical methods. In this chapter, a classification of optimization problems and techniques is presented. Some of the major advances during the history of structural optimization are presented here. Metaheuristic techniques have proven to be versatile and robust techniques. Some of the most popular metaheuristic techniques utilize genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, tabu search, ant colony optimization, particle swarm optimization, harmony search, Big Bang–Big Crunch, firefly algorithm, cuckoo search, and other algorithms, and their applications in structural optimization have been be investigated.

A Review on Traditional and Modern Structural Optimization: Problems and Techniques

A state‐of‐the‐art review of recent developments in the area of numerical structural optimization over a period of approximately five years, 1980–1984, is presented. Recent reviews, techniques and civil engineering design applications are covered, as well as problems with stability, frequency and shape constraints; a diverse list of papers, books and computer programs is cited.

Recent Developments in Structural Optimization

Automated optimization of steel reinforcement in RC building frames using building information modeling and hybrid genetic algorithm

The paper presents a formulation for the nonlinear optimization of reinforced concrete frames based on inelastic analysis. A computer program is developed for this formulation and is described with the aid of flow-charts. Important computational steps of the optimization procedure are also given. Four selected frames are optimized using the program and the results are presented. It is concluded that the formulation leads to minimum cost designs of reinforced concrete frames through realistic analysis.

C. S. Krishnamoorthy

Papers

Optimal design of reinforced concrete frames based on inelastic analysis