A mixed GA-PSO-based approach for performance-based design optimization of 2D reinforced concrete special moment-resisting frames

A mixed genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization in conjunction with nonlinear static and dynamic analyses as a smart and simple approach is introduced for performance-based design optimization of two-dimensional (2D) reinforced concrete special moment-resisting frames. The objective function of the problem is considered to be total cost of required steel and concrete in design of the frame. Dimensions and longitudinal reinforcement of the structural elements are considered to be design variables and serviceability, special moment-resisting and performance conditions of the frame are constraints of the problem. First, lower feasible bond of the design variables are obtained via analyzing the frame under service gravity loads. Then, the joint shear constraint has been considered to modify the obtained minimum design variables from the previous step. Based on these constraints, the initial population of the genetic algorithm (GA) is generated and by using the nonlinear static analysis, values of each population are calculated. Then, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique is employed to improve keeping percent of the badly fitted populations. This procedure is repeated until the optimum result that satisfies all constraints is obtained. Then, the nonlinear static analysis is replaced with the nonlinear dynamic analysis and optimization problem is solved again between obtained lower and upper bounds, which is considered to be optimum result of optimization solution with nonlinear static analysis. It has been found that by mixing the analyses and considering the hybrid GA-PSO method, the optimum result can be achieved with less computational efforts and lower usage of materials. •A mixed approach for PBD optimization of concrete frames is presented.•Via clustering the design variables and using the PSO, the GA has been enhanced.•The nonlinear static and dynamic analyses are mixed to solve the problem.•Efficiency of the proposed approach for solving the problem has been shown.