Automatic Discrete Optimum Design of Space Trusses using Genetic Algorithms

The objective of this study is the development of size discrete optimum design algorithm which is based on the GAs(genetic algorithms). The algorithm can perform size discrete optimum designs of space trusses. The developed algorithm was implemented in a computer program. For the optimum design, the objective function is the weight of space trusses and the constraints are limite state design codes(1998) and displacements. The basic search method for the optimum design is the GAs. The algorithm is known to be very efficient for the discrete optimization. This study solves the problem by introducing the GAs. The GAs consists of genetic process and evolutionary process. The genetic process selects the next design points based on the survivability of the current design points. The evolutionary process evaluates the survivability of the design points selected from the genetic process. In the genetic process of the simple GAs, there are three basic operators: reproduction, cross-over, and mutation operators. The efficiency and validity of the developed discrete optimum design algorithm was verified by applying GAs to optimum design examples.