Optimum design of grillage systems using genetic algorithms

Genetic algorithms have attracted great attention due to their ability to provide a solution to discrete optimum design problems. In this study, a genetic algorithm is presented for the optimum design of grillage systems to decide the cross-sectional properties of members from a standard set of universal beam sections. The deflection limitations and the allowable stress constraints are considered in the formulation of the design problem. Furthermore, in obtaining the response of grillage systems, the effect of warping and shear is also taken into account. The algorithm starts with an initial population of designs and carries out basic genetic operations of selection, mating, crossover, and mutation that yield to a new generation. It continues the generation of populations until the same individual dominates the population. An improvement is also suggested to the general steps of the genetic algorithm to prevent the destruction of good individuals during the generation of new populations. The algorithm is applied to the optimum design of a 40-member grillage system to investigate the effect of warping.