| A design procedure is presented incorporating a genetic algorithm for framed structures composed of discrete structural elements. The objective function considered is the total weight (or cost) of the structure. The objective function is minimized subjected to serviceability and strength requirements. The design procedure is developed as a module in the Finite Element Analysis Program (FEAP). A study is made of the relationship between the convergence of the genetic design procedure and parameters of the algorithm (crossover, mutation, type of crossover, convergence criteria, etc.). Various fitness and penalty functions are investigated for their appropriateness to the design problem. A comparison is presented between the proposed genetic design procedure and a classical continuous optimization method based on the optimality criterion. |
