A Hybrid ECBO and UBS Algorithm for Optimal Design of Skeletal Structures

Optimum design of structures utilizing metaheuristic algorithms can highly be time consuming when applied to real-world problems. This paper aims to introduce an evolutionary heuristic method for optimization of skeletal structures that requires less computational time while preserving the solution accuracy. Enhanced colliding bodies optimization as a simple and efficient method for structural optimization is integrated with the upper bound strategy to reduce the total number of structural analyses.Truss and frame structures are considered as benchmarks and constraints are imposed according to the provisions of ASD-AISC and LRFD-AISC specifications. The new hybrid metaheuristic algorithm which is called UECBO has a simple structure and is capable of performing suitable optimal design.The propos ed method is tested and compared by means of several examples previously reported in literature.