Optimization of trusses under uncertainties with harmony search

In structural engineering there are randomness inherently exist on determination of the loads, strength, geometry, and so on, and the manufacturing of the structural members, workmanship etc. Thus, objective and constraint functions of the optimization problem are functions that depend on those randomly natured components. The constraints being the function of the random variables are evaluated by using reliability index or performance measure approaches in the optimization process. In this study, the minimum weight of a space truss is obtained under the uncertainties on the load, material and crosssection areas with harmony search using reliability index and performance measure approaches. Consequently, optimization algorithm produces the same result when both the approaches converge. Performance measure approach, however, is more efficient compare to reliability index approach in terms of the convergence rate and iterations needed.