Integrated system for steel truss bridge

A number of authors have previously used genetic algorithms to optimize structural systems. This paper illustrates use of simple genetic algorithms for optimum design of large scale steel truss bridge superstructure for railway loadings. Object-Oriented Methodology is used to simplify' the design software development process. Optimal design of practical structures is illustrated, considering system topology, configuration and member sizes represented by mixed design variables (continuous and discrete). Complex design domain requirements conforming to Indian Railways design standard consisting of constraints corresponding to material strength, buckling strength as well as fatigue strength limit have been considered and the objective function to be minimized represents the total cost of the superstructure including cost of fabrication. The paper also demonstrates the efficient integration of genetic algorithms for optimization with the design software, both implemented in an object-oriented environment. Copyright ASCE 2006.