Optimization of truss structures with discrete and continuous design variables using Jaya algorithm

In this study, a recently developed optimization method called Jaya algorithm (JA) is used for minimum weight design of truss structures with continuous and discrete design variables. The main idea of the JA is to approach the best solution and get away the worst solution in order to obtain optimum. The JA only requires common control parameters such as population size and maximum iteration number and does not utilize algorithm-specific parameters. The objective of optimization problem is to minimize the weight of truss structures subjected to structural constraints. For this purpose, a computer program codded in MATLAB programing language is developed for sizing optimization of the planar and spatial truss structures subjected to stress, displacement and buckling constraints. Six truss structures with discrete design variables and five truss structures with continuous design variables are used in order to verify the validity of the Jaya algorithm. Optimization results of truss structures with continuous and discrete design variables demonstrate that the JA could obtain better designs than those of the other state-of-the-art metaheuristic optimization methods in terms of optimized weight, standard deviation and number of structural analyses. Besides, the JA is shows better convergence capability than the other methods. The standard deviation values for JA are very small in comparison with average weight. The design constraints are strictly checked and all design examples satisfy the constraints and hence, the reliability of JA is provided.