Application of a Meta-heuristic Optimization Algorithm Motivated by a Vision Correction Procedure for Civil Engineering Problems

In this study, a metaheuristic optimization algorithm inspired by a vision correction procedure is applied to civil engineering problems. The Vision Correction Algorithm (VCA) has the ability to solve various problems related to mathematical benchmark functions and civil engineering. Vision correction processes have three main steps: myopic/hyperopic correction, brightness adjustment/compression enforcement, and astigmatic correction. This procedure is essential for increasing the usability of glasses and obtaining high-quality vision in humans. Unlike conventional meta-heuristic algorithms, VCA automatically adjusts the global/ local search probability and global search direction based on accumulated optimization results. In VCA, all decision variables have their own search probabilities and require different processes according to whether a global search or local search is required. The proposed algorithm is applied to representative optimization problems, and the results are compared with those of existing algorithms. In civil engineering problems including design problem of water distribution network, VCA shows respectable results compared with those of existing algorithms. In all benchmark problems and civil engineering problems, VCA shows good results and it showed the applicability to other civil engineering problems.