Title: System reliability-based optimisation for truss structures using genetic algorithm and neural network

Authors: Yang Liu; Naiwei Lu; Mohammad Noori; Xinfeng Yin

Addresses: College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Bridge Engineering, Hunan Province University, Changsha 410114, China ' College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, China ' International Institute for Urban Systems Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China ' College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, China

Abstract: Optimum structures must have adequate resistance against external random loads. Since most truss structures involve a series of failure processes, it is necessary to develop system reliability analyses for the optimum design of truss structures. In this paper, a hybrid method of system reliability-based design optimisation (SRBDO) is proposed by combining genetic algorithms (GAs) and radial basis functions (RBFs) neural networks. The proposed method is applied to truss structures, and then the validity is demonstrated through two specific examples. Detailed discussions for the failure sequences such as buckling failure and bending failure are presented. It is concluded that the structural weight increases significantly with the increase of the target system reliability index or the coefficient of variation of design parameters. Results of two optimisation schemes of the steel truss girder show that the cross-sectional areas of the beams are decreased and those of web members are increased.

Keywords: structural optimisation; system reliability; genetic algorithms; reliability analysis; optimum design; design optimisation; radial basis function; RBF neural networks; failure sequence; trusses; target reliability index; buckling failure; bending failure; beta-bound method; external random loads; steel truss girders.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRS.2014.062640

International Journal of Reliability and Safety, 2014 Vol.8 No.1, pp.51 - 69

Received: 22 Aug 2013
Accepted: 03 May 2014
Published online: 25 Oct 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article