Optimum design of the integral bridge girders

Integral Bridges are known to be a relatively new type of bridge implemented worldwide. Many studies have been carried out by researchers about this type of bridge. Within the scope of this thesis, the applications of the integral bridge steel girder under dead and live loads on it were examined. As with all kinds of bridges, many parameters are considered during the design of Integral Bridges. These comprehensive parameters lead us to optimize the Integral bridges. As a result of the literature review, five optimization methods have been identified. In this study, various metaheuristic optimization methods such as genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, harmony search, improved harmony search and differential evolution algorithm are used for the optimum design of the girders of Integral Bridges. These determined methods were optimized in the steel girders and the improved harmony search algorithm method was determined as the most suitable method. The improved harmony search algorithm method is applied to optimize all Integral bridge girders. As a result of the optimization processes, the dimensioning of the steel girders has been re-done and it has been determined that girder sections with more optimum dimensions can be obtained. In this way, economically cost-effective bridges will be built, labor will be reduced, bridge construction processes will be facilitated and bridge construction time will be shortened. No specifications are available in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Road Technical Specification of the Republic of Turkey General Directorate of Highways for the design of integral bridges. It is aimed that the presented thesis study will contribute to a chapter on Integral bridges that can be added to the new edition of the Highway Technical Specification