Simplifying Design of Truss system Using .docVIP

SIMPLIFYING DESIGN OF TRUSS SYSTEM USING GENETIC ALGORITHMS *A A Adedeji and S. P. Ejeh *Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin. PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria. Email: amadeji@ Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria Abstract Genetic Algorithm is a powerful search tool enabling an optimum objective function to converge rapidly. Here, two variable formations were used, but functions of more variables were easily incorporated and implemented. The use of binary coding, in a Genetic Algorithm procedure indicated a simple application of this method to a wide variety of optimization problems in design. However, the optimum value of cost function of the truss members was obtained by minimizing the section of the members, which was later compared favourably to and more economically viable than the values obtained from BS 5950 design results. Keywords Design, truss system, genetic algorithm, optimization, cost function 1. Introduction The design of a system is a major field of the engineering profession. The process of designing a system result in a set of drawing, calculations and reports, and the system can be fabricated based on these. Design is an iterative process. The designer’s experience, intuition and ingenuity are required in the design of a system. The use of iteration implies analyzing several trial systems in a sequence before an acceptable design is obtained. The analysis problem is concerned with determining behaviour of an existing system, or a trial system being designed for a given task. Determination of behaviour of an engineering system is by calculating its response under the specified input (loads). In the highly competitive world of modern technology, it is no longer sufficient to design a system that performs the required task satisfactorily, but it is essential to design an efficient, versatile, unique and cost effective system. To design such system, proper analytical, experimental