Author(s)

A. Miyamoto & H. Emoto

Abstract

When seeking optimal parameters by numerical analysis in performance-based design, the number of combinations may increase to an extreme level, or objective functions or restrictions may not be accurately formulated. Then, genetic algorithms (GAs) are sometimes used. For certain problems, however, computation takes much time or no effective solutions are obtained even with the use of GAs. To compensate for such shortcomings, this study examines the applicability of island genetic algorithm (island-GA), a type of distributed genetic algorithm, to design problems. Using distributed-GA is expected to lead to efficient application of grid computing. Then, the time of computation may be reduced and networks of computers may be used effectively. The effectiveness of island-GA is verified in optimal impact resistance design for reinforced concrete slabs as an example of design problem. 1 Introduction In structural design, the finite element method (FEM) and other numerical analysis techniques have been used widely and design proposals based on such analysis methods have been examined on a daily basis. In engineering design, however, numerous parameters exist and a wide variety of restrictions should be taken into consideration. Using numerical analysis techniques including the FEM for checking design proposals therefore involves the handling of a large number of combinations of design parameters. Then, obtaining solutions within a practical time frame may be sometimes difficult. One of the effective solutions to such a problem is genetic algorithm (GA), which simulates the hereditary and evolutionary processes of species on computers. GA has been applied to

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