Design Optimization of Moment Resisting Steel Frames using a Cuckoo Search Algorithm

The Cuckoo search algorithm is a recent addition to metaheuristic techniques. It simulates the breeding behaviour of certain cuckoo species into a numerical optimization technique. Cuckoo birds lay their eggs in the nests of other host birds so that their chicks when hatched can be nurtured by the host birds. The optimum design algorithm presented for moment resisting steel frames is based on the cuckoo search algorithm. The design algorithm selects the appropriate W sections for the beams and column of a steel frame out of 272 W sections listed in the LRFD-AISC (Load and Resistance Factor Design, American Institute of Steel Construction) [52] such that the code requirements are satisfied and the weight of steel frame is the minimum. Code specifications necessitate the consideration of a combined strength constraint with lateral torsional buckling for beam-column members. Furthermore displacement constraints as well as inter-storey drift restrictions of multi-storey frames are also included in the design formulation. Further constraints related with the constructability of a steel frame are also considered. The number of steel frames are designed by the algorithm presented to demonstrate its efficiency. The same steel frames are also designed by using the big bang-big crunch algorithm as well as the particle swarm optimizer for comparison.