Tabu search based optimum design of geometrically non-linear steel space frames

In this paper, two algorithms are presented for the optimum design of geometrically nonlinear<br />steel space frames using tabu search. The first algorithm utilizes the features of short-term memory<br />(tabu list) facility and aspiration criteria and the other has long-term memory (back-tracking) facility in<br />addition to the aforementioned features. The design algorithms obtain minimum weight frames by<br />selecting suitable sections from a standard set of steel sections such as American Institute of Steel<br />Construction (AISC) wide-flange (W) shapes. Stress constraints of AISC Allowable stress design (ASD)<br />specification, maximum drift (lateral displacement) and interstorey drift constraints were imposed on the<br />frames. The algorithms were applied to the optimum design of three space frame structures. The designs<br />obtained using the two algorithms were compared to each other. The comparisons showed that the second<br />algorithm resulted in lighter frames.