Implementation of different encoding types on structural optimization based on adaptive genetic algorithm

In this study, the use of new alternatives of encoding types such as quaternary encoding and octal encoding is reviewed along with that of binary and value encodings and how they provide contribution to efficiency and robustness of genetic algorithm is discussed in structural problems. In addition to new alternatives of encoding types, a genetic algorithm with adaptive manner is presented so that an adaptive approach including adaptive mutation and adaptive crossover operators is employed. It is concluded that it is not possible to tell that one of the encoding types is exactly dominant over the others in all aspects such as convergence, finding the optimum solution, and iteration number. However, it is worth to say that to run genetic process with different encoding types should be considered since one of the runs can give more appropriate solution than that of the others. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.