Structural optimization in practice: Potential applications of genetic algorithms

With increasing competition, the engineering industry is in need of optimization of designs<br />that would lead to minimum cost or weight. Recent developments in Genetic Algorithms (GAs) makes it<br />possible to model and obtain optimal solutions in structural design that can be put to use in industry. The<br />main objective of this paper is to illustrate typical applications of GAs to practical design of structural<br />systems such as steel trusses, towers, bridges, reinforced concrete frames, bridge decks, shells and layout<br />planning of buildings. Hence, instead of details of GA process, which can be found in the reported<br />literature, attention is focussed on the description of the various applications and the practical aspects that<br />are considered in Genetic Modeling. The paper highlights scope and future directions for wider applications<br />of GA based methodologies for optimal design in practice.