Optimum design of steel frames according to 2018 Turkish Steel Design code using genetic algorithm and comparison of the results with SAP 2000's solutions

Optimum design of structural skeletal systems is an important subject in structural engineering. The aim of the designs is to form the most economical structures that provide sufficient safety. In this study, the optimum design of steel building frames was performed using the Genetic Algorithm method with the load and design conditions of the 2018 Turkish Steel Design Code (Fundamentals About Design, Calculation and Construction of Steel Structures ÇYTHYDE 2018). Obtaining the minimum weight frames which satisfy the required conditions has been aimed. First of all, a computer program which combines Genetic Algorithm optimization method with frame analysis and specifications of the Turkish Steel Design Code has been developed. Optimum designs of three frames of different dimensions have been done with the developed program and the results were compared with the design results of the SAP 2000 program under the same conditions. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of the developed method were evaluated. As a result, more economical as well as safe frames were obtained in the steel frame design examples of the developed Genetic Algorithm method when compared to the designs of SAP 2000 program.