Development of hybrid performance-based optimization algorithm for structures equipped with vibration damper devices

Nowadays, various types of vibration damping systems are being implemented in different buildings to diminish seismic effects on structures. However, engineers are faced with the challenging task of developing an optimum design for structures utilizing a proper type of damping device based on new techniques such as the performance-based design method. Therefore, this research was aimed at developing a multi-objective optimization algorithm by hybridizing the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and gravitational search algorithm (GSA) to obtain an optimum design for structures equipped with vibration damper devices based on the performance-based design method. Then, the developed hybrid algorithm (PSOGSA) would be capable of optimizing the damping system simultaneously with the optimized details of the structural sections, including the steel rebars, by satisfying all the design criteria. For this purpose, a special process for the design of structures equipped with vibration damper devices according to the performance-based design method was developed by considering of a wide range of vibration damping systems. The proposed PSOGSA optimization framework was then implemented to design a 12-storey reinforced concrete structure equipped with different types of dampers to minimize the structural weight while satisfying all the prescribed performance-based design acceptance criteria. The results indicated that the proposed optimization method was able to successfully optimize the details of the structural members as well as the type and properties of the damper, which significantly improved the structural response in terms of the formation of plastic hinges and the structural movements.