Author(s)

J.A. Bland

Abstract

Tabu search is a deterministic optimisation technique that draws on ideas in the field of artificial intelligence. It is an iterative improvement algorithm characterised by a semi-intelligent approach to the search of solution-space. A feature of the algorithm is the use of primary and secondary memory facilities to avoid entrapment by local optima and diversify the search for the global optimum. In this paper tabu search is presented in a structural design context and applied to truss design. The results show that tabu search is a useful and effective optimisation algorithm for solving engineering design problems with discrete design variables. 1 Introduction The approach to optimal structural design is usually mathematical in nature whereby the design variables of the engineering problem are formu

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