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 nonlinearsteel space frames using tabu search. The first algorithm utilizes the features of short-term memory(tabu list) facility and aspiration criteria and the other has long-term memory (back-tracking) facility inaddition to the aforementioned features. The design algorithms obtain minimum weight frames byselecting suitable sections from a standard set of steel sections such as American Institute of SteelConstruction (AISC) wide-flange (W) shapes. Stress constraints of AISC Allowable stress design (ASD)specification, maximum drift (lateral displacement) and interstorey drift constraints were imposed on theframes. The algorithms were applied to the optimum design of three space frame structures. The designsobtained using the two algorithms were compared to each other. The comparisons showed that the secondalgorithm resulted in lighter frames.