Evolutionary Computation in Structural Design

The paper provides the results of preliminary research on the application of evolutionary computation to integrated structural design in which a complex design support tool automatically conducts both conceptual and detailed design. In the paper, a brief overview of the state of the art in evolutionary computation and its applications to structural design is provided. Next, Inventor 2000 is described, a unique research and structural design tool developed by the authors at George Mason University that combines an evolutionary computation component with a system for wind forces analysis, and a system for the analysis, design and optimisation of steel structures. The paper also presents the results of four structural design experiments conducted with Inventor 2000. The objective of experiments was to investigate various forms of evolutionary computation as applied to structure design. Finally, the paper provides the initial research conclusions and recommendations for further research.