Structural optimization using artificial bee colony algorithm

This paper presents an artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm for structural optimization of planar and space trusses under stress, displacement and buckling constraints. In order to improve the performance of the classic ABC algorithm, modifications in neighborhood searching method, onlooker phase, and scout phase are proposed. Optimization of different typical truss structures is performed using both the classic ABC and the modified ABC (MABC) algorithms. In comparison with the classic ABC algorithm, the MABC algorithm reaches lighter designs with a better convergence rate in all examples. The numerical results, which are compared with previously reported results in the literature, indicate the efficiency of the proposed MABC algorithm.