Multi-Level Optimization for Steel Frames using Discrete Variables

이산형 변수를 이용한 뼈대구조물의 다단계 최적설계

An efficient multi-level (EML) optimization algorithm using discrete variables of framed structures is proposed in this paper. For the efficiency of the proposed algorithm multi-level optimization techniques using a decomposition method that separates both system-level and element-level are incorporated in the algorithm In the system-level, to save the numerical efforts an efficient reanalysis technique through approximated structural responses such as moments and frequencies with respect to intermediate variables is proposed in the paper. Sensitivity analysis of dynamic structural response is executed by automatic differentiation (AD) that is a powerful technique for computing complex or implicit derivatives accurately and efficiently with minimal human effort. In the element-level, to use AISC W-sections a section search algorithm is introduced. The efficiency and robustness of the EML algorithm, compared with a conventional multi-level (CML) algorithm and single-level genetic algorithm is successfully demonstrated in the numerical examples.