Harmony search algorithm for optimum design of steel frame structures: A comparative study with other optimization methods

In this article, a harmony search algorithm is presented for optimum design of steel frame structures. Harmony search is a meta-heuristic search method which has been developed recently. It is based on the analogy between the performance process of natural music and searching for solutions of optimization problems. The design algorithms obtain minimum weight frames by selecting suitable sections from a standard set of steel sections such as American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) wide-flange (W) shapes. Stress constraints of AISC Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) and AISC Allowable Stress Design (ASD) specifications, maximum (lateral displacement) and interstorey drift constraints, and also size constraint for columns were imposed on frames. The results of harmony search algorithm were compared to those of the other optimization algorithms such as genetic algorithm, optimality criterion and simulated annealing for two planar and two space frame structures taken from the literature. The comparisons showed that the harmony search algorithm yielded lighter designs for the design examples presented.