Optimum design of steel frames via memetic algorithm

In this period of time, In engineering designs, main aim is to get most cost-effective result. To take tihs result, there are many types of optimization ways for determining optimal design problem. Defining the optimal design in structural engineering; Optimal structural system is not only the lightest structure but also structure which also fulfils required structural safety conditions and constraints, specified by standarts. In this study, steel frame systems have been determined under the limitation of a minimum weight of structure which intends to be obtained by Memetic Algorithm used with the aid of computer program. At first, pre-written computer program with using Genetic Algorithm has been modified to Memetic Algoritm. Later, the number of structural problem solved and then solutions are evaluated for both algorithm with performed problems. In this study; In the first section, the aim and scope of this study is explained. In the second section, previous studies which are related to Genetic and Memetic algorithm are stated. In the third section, Not only related detailed informations are given for Optimization, Genetic Algoritms, Memetic Algorithms, but also How these algoritms works, general structures, their properties, differences between these algorithms are explained. In the fourth section, Both Memetic Algorithm and Genetic Algorithm computer program performed for number of problems to see and evaluated for both algorithms. In the fifth section, After the results of performed problems, some conclusins obtained. It is observed from solutions that there have been got better results in terms of structural weights in Memetic Algoritm in stead of Genetic Algortihm. Keywords: MEMETIC ALGORITHM, GENETIC ALGORITM, STEEL FRAMES, OPTIMUM DESIGN, AISC-ASD