Optimization of reinforced concrete frames subjected to historical time-history loadings using DMPSO algorithm

In this paper, the seismic design of reinforced concrete (RC) frames subjected to time-history loadings was formulated as an optimization problem. Because finding the optimum design is relatively difficult and time-consuming for structural dynamics problems, an innovative algorithm combining multi-criterion decision-making (DM) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), called DMPSO, was presented for accelerating convergence toward the optimum solution. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm was illustrated in some benchmark reinforced concrete optimization problems. The main goal was to minimize the cost or weight of structures subjected to time-history loadings while satisfying all design requirements imposed by building design codes. The results confirmed the ability of the proposed algorithm to find the optimal solutions for structural optimization problems subjected to time-history loadings.