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In this paper, a systematic approach is presented for optimal design of tunnel support lining using two-dimensional finite element analysis models of soil-structure interaction developed in ABAQUS software and the Modified Colliding Bodies Optimization (MCBO) algorithm implemented in MATLAB environment. This approach is then employed to study the influence of variable geometrical and geo-mechanical parameters on the optimal design of a class of practical access tunnels.

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In this paper an optimization framework is presented for automated performance-based seismic design of bridges consisting of multi-column RC pier substructures. The beneficial effects of fusing components on seismic performance of the quasi-isolated system is duly addressed in analysis and design. The proposed method is based on a two-step structural analysis consisting of a linear modal dynamic demand analysis and a nonlinear static capacity evaluation of the entire bridge structure. Results indicate that the proposed optimization method is capable of producing cost-effective design solutions combining the fusing behavior of bearings and yielding mechanism of piers. The optimal designs obtained from models addressing the performance of fusing components are far more efficient than those that do not take care of quasi-isolation behavior. 

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In this paper, an optimization framework is developed for performance-based seismic design of composite moment frames consisting of concrete filled steel box columns and I-shaped steel beams. Material cost of the structure and seismic damage under severe earthquake ground motions are minimized as objective functions. Two design examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability and efficiency of the proposed method. Based on the obtained results, it is concluded that the proposed design optimization approach is capable of producing seismic designs of composite MRFs which are cost effective, provide reliable seismic performance and suffer less damage in the case of a severe earthquake ground motion.

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Composite RCS building frames integrate reinforced concrete columns with structural steel beams to provide an efficient solution for the design and construction of earthquake-resisting structures. In this paper, an optimization framework is developed for performance-based seismic design of planar RCS moment resisting frames. The objective functions are defined as minimizing the construction cost and the seismic damage. The design variables are obtained in a two-stage design optimization procedure; the elastic design in which column cross-section dimensions are determined and the inelastic design in which beam cross-sections and column reinforcements are obtained. Two design examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability and efficiency of the proposed method. Based on the obtained results, it is concluded that the proposed design optimization procedure is a viable approach in producing cost effective seismic designs of composite RCS frames, with reliable seismic performance and reduced damage potential in the event of a severe earthquake ground motion.

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A dual structural fused system consists of replaceable ductile elements (fuses) that sustain major seismic damage and leave the primary structure (PS) virtually undamaged. The seismic performance of a fused structural system is determined by the combined behavior of the individual PS and fuse components. In order to design a feasible and economic structural fuse concept, we need a procedure to choose the most efficient combination of the PS and fuse systems subject to the stringent constraints of seismic performance and minimum structural cost objectives, simultaneously. In this paper, an efficient method is developed for minimum cost design of dual fused building structures using a performance-based seismic design procedure. The method involves updating a set of reference parameters to find the most suitable combination of PS and fuse structures with satisfactory seismic performance and optimum total structural cost, concurrently. For a set of preselected reference parameters, the structural design variables including primary and fuse structural member sizes are determined through individual linear elastic design processes. Therefore, a limited number of inelastic analyses are required to evaluate seismic response of the combined fused system. The proposed method is applied to seismic design optimization of a moment resisting frame equipped with BRBs as structural fuses. The obtained results indicate that proposed design optimization procedure is sufficiently robust and reliable to design cost-effective structural fuse systems with satisfactory seismic performance.