Steel frame optimal design using MHBMO algorithm

Various deterministic and stochastic algorithms have been used as optimization tools in different engineering problems over the last decade. In this regard, the Modified Honey Bee Mating Optimization (MHBMO) algorithm may be considered as a typical swarm-based approach for optimizing numerous problems in engineering fields. In this paper, a design procedure based on the MHBMO technique was developed for discrete optimization of frames consisting W-shapes. The objective function in this research is to obtain the minimum weight of frames subjected to both strength and displacement requirements imposed by the American Institute for Steel Construction (AISC) and Load Resistance Factor Design (LRFD). Several frame examples from the literature were examined to verify not only the suitability of the design procedure but also the robustness of the MHBMO algorithm for frame structure design. The optimum results obtained by the MHBMO algorithm performs the best in comparison with other available techniques in the literature for all three steel frames. In conclusion, the results shows that the MHBMO algorithm is a powerful and applicable optimization method for design of frames consisting W-shapes.