Harmony Search Algorithm Approach for Optimum Design of Post-Tensioned Axially Symmetric Cylindrical Reinforced Concrete Walls

This paper presents an optimization procedure based on harmony search algorithm (HS) for design of post-tensioned axially symmetric cylindrical reinforced concrete (RC) walls. Total material cost of the wall including concrete, reinforced bars, post-tensioned cables, and form work required for wall and application of the post-tensioning are defined as objective function of the optimization procedure. The wall thickness, compressive strength of the concrete, locations, and intensities of the post-tensioned loads were considered as design variables. In addition to that, the diameter of the reinforcement bars and distance between these bars are selected randomly to obtain an optimum design. Thus, these variables can also be added to the design variables. Other materials and sectional properties of the wall comprise the design constants of the optimization. The analyses of the wall were done by superposition method, and the reinforced design was done according to rules described in the regulation ACI 318 (Building code requirements for structural concrete). The paper concludes that the presented optimization procedure via HS algorithm is effective for optimum design of the post-tensioned RC walls.