Deterministic and Reliability Based Structural Optimization of Concrete Cross-section

Abstract

Two approaches to solving the problem of structural design are applied and compared for a particular design problem: the traditional Deterministic-Based Structural Optimisation (DBSO) and Reliability-Based Structural Optimisation (RBSO), which incorporates probabilistic structural reliability analysis into structural optimisation. This paper focuses particularly on basic RBSO algorithm features and numerical comparisons between RBSO and DBSO algorithms for the selected design problem. The main novelty of the paper lies in the application of the RBSO approach. A sample definition of an RBSO problem (conversion from a deterministic to a probabilistic problem) and its solution are presented for the optimisation of an RC cross-section, which is subjected to combinations of normal force and bending moments. The objective function also includes, besides the total cost of the cross-section, negative environmental impacts. Numerical results for the particular data set are presented.