ASIAN JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING (BUILDING AND HOUSING)
Year:2004 | Volume:5 | Issue:3-4|Papers Count:6

This paper presents a hybrid optimization algorithm based on a modified genetic algorithm (GA). The algorithm includes two stages. In the first stage, a global search is carried out over the design search space using a modified GA. In the second stage, a local search is executed that is based on GA solution using a discretized form of Hooke and Jeeves method. The modifications on basic GA includes dynamically changing the population size Throughout the GA process, utilizing variable penalty multiplier and the use of a square root form of the penalty function in constraint handling. The hybrid algorithm and the modifications to the basic GA are examined on the design optimization of a well-known test problem (10 bar truss). The effect of different parameters and techniques of handling GA operators on the performance of the proposed algorithm is investigated. The hybrid algorithm is employed for the design optimization of a reinforced concrete flat slab building  and the results are compared with those of using the GA only.      

Plastic analysis using kinematic approach is quite conventional. A C++ program has been Developed which computes the collapse load factor of planar frames using combination of elementary mechanisms and Genetic algorithms. The program has the capability of generating the frames visually and observing the results by simple clicks on appropriate icons. Elementary and combined collapse mechanisms could be viewed on screen instead of having to interpret the results from the rush of outputs. Many examples presented here show how easy it is to create the model from scratch, perform the loading, and complete the analysis.        

A computer-based systematic approach for optimizing material cost in reinforced concrete elements is presented. This approach considers the current material cost in the trade-off and selection of member dimensions and reinforcement design of concrete elements such as Beams and columns. The theoretical framework is to design reinforced concrete structure based on the cost of available materials and not just on the availability of materials. The windows-oriented computer program developed for this purpose would also be beneficial to owners, designers and contractors interested in cost optimization of reinforced concrete elements.      

The paper presents a study on the fatigue strength of steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) containing different volume fractions, aspect ratios and types of steel fibers, for various Levels of the fatigue stress. The fatigue test data available in literature has been used for analysis. The test data is used to generate the S-N curves and an Equation is proposed by regression analysis to predict the flexural fatigue strength of SFRC.A probabilistic approach issued to predict the fatigue reliability of SFRC. The fatigue-life distributions of SFRC at a given stress level, is shown to approximately follow the two-parameter Weibull distribution. The S-N relationships have been used to obtain the parameters of the Weibull distribution. Mean and Design fatigue lives have been computed for different stress levels for SFRC with Different combinations of fibres, corresponding to different probabilities of failure.        

The plastic behavior of an elastoplastic cylindrical shell with circular and rectangular cutouts underbending moment loads was investigated numerically and experimentally. A testing device (pure bending measurement) was designed and made to perform experiments on bending moment tests. The ratio of diameter to thickness of the stainless steel 304 specimens was 40.4 and the ratio of length to diameter was 7.94. The shape of the cutout on the shell was circular or rectangular. The tested specimens were categorized into five dissimilar groups. The effect of size, position and numbers of the cutout on the plastic moment is discussed. In order to investigate the strain distribution around of cutout, nine strain gauges were mounted in the longitudinal and circumferential directions on two specimens with different type of cutout. To investigate the accuracy of analytical and experimental results, numerical analysis considering the behavior of elastoplastic material was performed and good agreement was obtained between them. The strength of bending moment of cylindrical shells was decreased with increasing of sizes of cutout and it was increased with changing the location of the cutout from compression side to tension side. The effect of the number of cutouts (increasing from 1 to 3 (axisymmetrical) on bending strength of tubes is negligible.      

Arches, vaults and domes were the most important elements in Iranian buildings until the beginning of the 20th century. These forms are one of the main features of traditional buildings in small cities and villages in the neighborhood of the desert. The present paper investigates the general performance of arches and domes during the Barn earthquake (December 2003; Ms=6.6). In this earthquake, wide damages to such traditional buildings were observed, especially those located in the vicinity of the fault. The paper reviews the main reasons of failures of such buildings. It also discusses the suitability of these structures in earthquake hazard areas and reviews the main points of weakness of the current construction practices.