Improved bat algorithm for structural reliability assessment: application and challenges

Purpose – The first order reliability method requires optimization algorithms to find the minimum distance from the origin to the limit state surface in the normal space. The purpose of this paper is to develop an improved version of the new metaheuristic algorithm inspired from echolocation behaviour of bats, namely, the bat algorithm (BA) dedicated to perform structural reliability analysis. Design/methodology/approach – Modifications have been embedded to the standard BA to enhance its efficiency, robustness and reliability. In addition, a new adaptive penalty equation dedicated to solve the problem of the determination of the reliability index and a proposition on the limit state formulation are presented. Findings – The comparisons between the improved bat algorithm (iBA) presented in this paper and other standard algorithms on benchmark functions show that the iBA is highly efficient, and the application to structural reliability problems such as the reliability analysis of overhead crane girder proves that results obtained with iBA are highly reliable. Originality/value – A new iBA and an adaptive penalty equation for handling equality constraint are developed to determine the reliability index. In addition, the low computing time and the ease implementation of this method present great advantages from the engineering viewpoint.