Cost Optimization II

Itaipu Dam
Itaipu Dam

 

Description: This paper implements an evolutionary operations based global optimization algorithm for the minimum cost design of a two span continuous prestressed concrete (PC) I-girder bridge structure. Continuity is achieved by applying additional deck slab reinforcement in negative flexure zone. The minimum cost design problem of the bridge is characterized by having a nonlinear constrained objective function, and a combination of continuous, discrete and integer design variables. A global optimization algorithm called EVolutionary OPeration (EVOP), is used which can efficiently solve the presented constrained minimization problem. Minimum cost design is achieved by determining the optimum values of 13 numbers of design variables. All the design constraints for optimization belong to AASHTO Standard Specifications.  The paper concludes that the robust search capability of EVOP algorithm has efficiently solved the presented structural optimization problem with relatively small number of objective function evaluation.  Minimum design achieved by application of this optimization approach to a practical design example leads to around 36% savings in cost.

Document Name :

Application of evolutionary operation to the minimum cost design of continuous prestressed concrete bridge structure.

Document Type :
Portable Document Format( PDF)

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Authors:

Shohel Rana 
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.

Email: shohel@ce.buet.ac.bd

Nazrul Islam

Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Email: nazrulislam@ce.buet.ac.bd
           rummance.@gmail.com

Dr. Raquib Ahsan
Professor of Civil Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.

Email: raquibahsan@ce.buet.ac.bd

Sayeed Nurul Ghani

Principal Engineer/Consultant, Optimum System Designers, 2387 E Skipping Rock Way, Tucson, Arizona – 85737, USA

Email: ghanisn@yahoo.com