Title: Assessment of modern metaheuristic algorithms - HS, ABC and FA - in shape and size optimisation of structures with different types of constraints

Authors: Letícia Fleck Fadel Miguel; Leandro Fleck Fadel Miguel

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Sarmento Leite 425, 2º andar, CEP 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil ' Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Rua João Pio Duarte da Silva, CEP 88040-970, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil

Abstract: Shape and size optimisation of structures combining different types of constraints normally causes difficult sensitivity analysis. Thus, choosing the appropriate method to solve this kind of problem is of paramount importance. There are many metaheuristic methods and new ones continue being developed. An assessment of these algorithms may help to choose one. In this paper, three recent metaheuristic algorithms, harmony search (HS), artificial bee colony (ABC) and firefly algorithm (FA), are evaluated. The effectiveness of these methods are demonstrated by solving seven benchmark structural optimisation problems. Additionally, the optimisation of a realistic transmission tower is performed, which may serve as benchmark to validate new optimisation methods. A parametric study was also carried out and the statistical results were presented. The results showed that the three algorithms reached, in a relatively low computational time, better results than most literature, emphasising their excellent ability. Comparisons among the algorithms could be established.

Keywords: nonlinear optimisation problems; harmony search; artificial bee colony; ABC; firefly algorithm; frequency constraints; buckling constraints; stress constraints; displacement constraints; realistic design; metaheuristics; structural optimisation; transmission tower.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMHEUR.2013.056404

International Journal of Metaheuristics, 2013 Vol.2 No.3, pp.256 - 293

Received: 01 Mar 2013
Accepted: 30 Jun 2013

Published online: 05 Jul 2014 *

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