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In this paper the performance of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and Adaptive Neuro- Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS) in simulating the inverse dynamic behavior of Magneto- Rheological (MR) dampers is investigated. MR dampers are one of the most applicable methods in semi active control of seismic response of structures. Various mathematical models are introduced to simulate the dynamic behavior of MR dampers. The Modified Bouc-Wen model is an appropriate model that has an acceptable accuracy in calculating the generated force of dampers compared to others. In this model displacement and voltage of a MR damper are known while the force generated by MR damper is considered as the unknown. Because of highly nonlinear characteristics of modified bouc-wen model determination of inverse dynamic behavior of MR dampers are generally done using ANNs and ANFIS. Since the ANNs and ANFIS have different mechanisms for emulating desired functions, their responses may be different. In this research the performance of a Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN), Radial Basis Functions Neural Network (RBFNN) and ANFIS in estimating the inverse dynamic behavior of MR dampers are compared. The results emphasize on the advancement of ANFIS to the other methods studied in estimation of inverse dynamic behavior of MR dampers.

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Weighted Uniform Simulation (WUS) is recently presented as one of the efficient simulation methods to obtain structural failure probability and most probable point (MPP). This method requires initial assumptions of failure probability to obtain results. Besides, it has the problem of variation in results when it conducted with few samples. In the present study three strategies have been presented that efficiently enhanced capabilities of WUS. To this aim, a progressively expanding intervals strategy proposed to eliminate the requirement to initial assumptions in WUS, while low-discrepancy samples simultaneously employed to reduce variations in failure probabilities. Moreover, to improve the accuracy of MPP, a new simple local search method proposed and combined with the simulation that strengthened the method to obtain more accurate MPP. The capabilities of proposed strategies investigated by solving several structural reliability problems and obtained results compared with traditional WUS and common reliability methods. Results show that proposed strategies efficiently improved the capabilities of conventional WUS.

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A Reliability-Based Design Optimization (RBDO) framework is presented that accounts for stochastic variations in structural parameters and operating conditions. The reliability index calculation is itself an iterative process, potentially employing an optimization technique to find the shortest distance from the origin to the limit-state boundary in a standard normal space. Monte Carlo simulation (MCs) is embedded into a design optimization procedure by a modular double loop approach, which the self-adaptive version of particle swarm optimization method is introduced as an optimization technique. Double loop method has the advantage of being simple in concepts and easy to implement. First, we study the efficiency of self-adaptive PSO algorithm inorder to solve the optimization problem in reliability analysis and then compare the results with the Monte Carlo simulation. While computationally significantly more expensive than deterministic design optimization, the examples illustrate the importance of accounting for uncertainties and the need for regarding reliability-based optimization methods and also, should encourage the use of PSO as the best of evolutionary optimization methods to more such reliability-based optimization problems.

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Due to the complex structural issues and increasing number of design variables, a rather fast optimization algorithm to lead to a global swift convergence history without multiple attempts may be of major concern. Genetic Algorithm (GA) includes random numerical technique that is inspired by nature and is used to solve optimization problems. In this study, a novel GA method based on self-adaptive operators is presented. Results show that this proposed method is faster than many other defined GA-based conventional algorithms. To investigate the efficiency of the proposed method, several famous optimization truss problems with semi-discrete variables are studied. The results reflect the good performance of the algorithm where relatively a less number of analyses is required for the global optimum solution.

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This paper combines particle swarm optimization, grid search method and univariate method as a general optimization approach for any type of problems emphasizing on optimum design of steel frame structures. The new algorithm is denoted as the GSU-PSO. This method attempts to decrease the search space and only searches the space near the optimum point. To achieve this aim, the whole search space is divided into a series of grids by applying the grid search method. By using a method derived from the univariate method, the variables of the best particle change values. Finally, by considering an interval adjustment to the variables and generating particles randomly in new intervals, the particle swarm optimization allows us to swiftly find the optimum solution. This method causes converge to the optimum solution more rapidly and with less number of analyses involved. The proposed GSU-PSO algorithm is tested on several steel frames from the literature. The algorithm is implemented by interfacing MATLAB mathematical software and SAP2000 structural analysis code. The results indicated that this method has a higher convergence speed towards the optimal solution compared to the conventional and some well-known meta-heuristic algorithms. In comparison to the PSO algorithm, the proposed method required around 45% of the total number of analyses recorded and improved marginally the accuracy of solutions.

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Impulsive and convective frequencies are one of the most important subjects for evaluation of the seismic behavior of tanks. These two frequencies are defined by Housner and used for obtaining Rayleigh damping in time history analysis. ACI 350 and NZSEE standards have suggested some analytical solutions for finding convective and impulsive frequencies. These frequencies can also extract from modal analysis by finite element (FE) software. In current study, these frequencies are extracted by using FE software and performing modal analysis. Also these modes are compared with analytical methods from ACI and NZSEE standards. Based on the results, convective frequencies obtained from FE and ACI and NZSEE methods are so close together, with just two percent variation between FE and analytical codes, while there are significant differences among these methods for impulsive frequencies. Furthermore, this study shows that the wall thickness has no effect on the convective frequencies, while it is completely opposite for impulsive frequency. When the wall thickness rises by 1.5 times, impulsive frequencies increase by 1.75, 1.55 and 1.48 times for finite element, NZSEE and ACI methods, respectively. In addition, based on the observations, when the liquid height is low, NZSEE method presents high values of impulsive frequency.

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This paper presents an improved multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (IMOEA) for the design of planar steel frames. By considering constraints as a new objective function, single objective optimization problems turned to multi objective optimization problems. To increase efficiency of IMOEA different Crossover and Mutation are employed. Also to avoid local optima dynamic interference of mutation and crossover are considered. Feasible particles called elites which are very helpful for better mutation and crossover considered as a tool to increase efficiency of proposed algorithm. The proposed evolutionary algorithm (IMOEA) is utilized to solve three well-known classical weight minimization problems of steel moment frames. In order to verify the suitability of the present method, the results of optimum design for planar steel frames are obtained by present study compared to other researches. Results indicate that, as far as the convergence, speed of the optimization process and quality of optimum design are concerned behavior, IMOEA is significantly superior to other meta-heuristic optimization algorithms with an acceptable global answer.

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The present study addresses optimal design of reinforced concrete (RC) columns based on equivalent equations considering deformability regulations of ACI318-14 under axial force and uniaxial bending moment. This study contrary to common approaches working with trial and error approach in design, at first presents an exact solution for intensity of longitudinal reinforcement in column section by solving equivalent equation. Then, longitudinal and transverse reinforcement details are assessed regarding the previous step results and where achieving the lowest steel consumption design in the column is selected as the optimum. In addition to optimizing column cross-section dimension by implementing single-variable optimization methods, the effect of axial force, bending moment and concrete compressive strength variations on the column cross-section dimension, intensity of longitudinal reinforcement, construction costs and total weight of consumption steel have been investigated. The investigation on the validity of the proposed method was assessed and signified through comparison with the existed work in the literature. Finding an exact solution considering all regulations and constraints is the advantage of this method in determining optimized RC column.

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This paper proposes a GA-based reduced search space technique (GA-RSS) for the optimal design of steel moment frames. It tries to reduce the computation time by focusing the search around the boundaries of the constraints, using a ranking-based constraint handling to enhance the efficiency of the algorithm. This attempt to reduce the search space is due to the fact that in most optimization problems the optimal solution lies on or near the boundaries of the feasible region. All the analyses/optimization steps have been implemented in MATLAB and the method has been validated by optimizing three moment-frame benchmark problems. According to the results, the algorithm performs fit and needs relatively fewer analyses than other metaheuristic algorithms to reach a global optimum solution.

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Over the past decades, several techniques have been employed to improve the applicability of the metaheuristic optimization methods. One of the solutions for improving the capability of metaheuristic methods is the hybrid of algorithms. This study proposes a new optimization algorithm called HPBA which is based on the hybrid of two optimization algorithms; Big Bang-Big Crunch (BB-BC) inspired by the theory of the universe evolution and Artificial Physics Optimization (APO) which is a physical base optimization method. Finally, the performance of the proposed optimization method is compared with the originated methods. Moreover, the performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated for truss optimization as an applied constrained optimization problem.

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Pedestrian bridge is a structure constructed to maintain the safety of citizens in crowded and high-traffic areas. With the expansion of cities and the increase in population, the construction of bridges is necessary for easier and faster transportation, as well as the safety of pedestrians and vehicles. In this article, it is decided to consider the most economical cross-sections for these bridges according to the design regulations and codes of Practice in order to achieve the minimum weight, which will ultimately reduce the cost of construction and production and the usage of less resources. For this purpose, new GSS-PSO algorithm has been used and its results have been compared with GA and PSO algorithms, by the means of which an enhancement of PSO algorithm is seen. This enhancement on the conventional PSO technique reduces the search space more desirably and swiftly to a space close to the global optimum point. This algorithm has been implemented with MATLAB mathematical software and has been integrated with SAP2000v22 structural design software for analysis and optimum design under resistance and displacement constraints. The final results of the analyses are compared with an already designed and implemented infrastructure. In addition to a bridge optimization, a bench-mark frame optimization was also used in order for a better comparison between this algorithm and the other ones.

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This study is devoted to seismic collapse safety analysis of performance based optimally seismic designed steel chevron braced frame structures. An efficient meta-heuristic algorithm namely, center of mass optimization is utilized to achieve the seismic optimization process. The seismic collapse performance of the optimally designed steel chevron braced frames is assessed by performing incremental dynamic analysis and determining their adjusted collapse margin ratios. Two design examples of 5-, and 10-story chevron braced frames are illustrated. The numerical results demonstrate that all the performance-based optimal designs are of acceptable seismic collapse safety.

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Today, due to the complexity of engineering problems and at the same time the advancement of computer science, the use of machine learning (ML) methods and soft computing methods in solving engineering problems has been considered by many researchers. These methods can be used to find accurate estimates for problems in various scientific fields. This paper investigates the effectiveness of the Adaptive Network-Based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) hybridized with Teaching Learning Based Optimization Algorithm (TLBO), to predict the ultimate strength of columns with square and rectangular cross-sections, confide with various fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets. In previous studies by many researchers, several experiments have been conducted on concrete columns confined by FRP sheets. The results indicate that FRP sheets effectively increase the compressive strength of concrete columns. Comparing the results of ANFIS-TLBO with the experimental findings, which were agreeably consistent, demonstrated the ability of ANFIS-TLBO to estimate the compressive strength of concrete confined by FRP. Also, the comparison of RMSE, SD, and R² for ANFIS-TLBO and the studies of different researchers show that the ANFIS-TLBO approach has a good performance in estimating compressive strength. For example, the value of R² in the proposed method was 0.92, while this parameter was 0.87 at best among the previous studies. Also, the obtained error in the prediction of the proposed model is much lower than the obtained error in the previous studies. Hence, the proposed model is more efficient and works better than other techniques.