A multilevel genetic algorithm for the optimum design of structural control systems

A multilevel genetic algorithm (MLGA) is proposed in this paper for solving the kind of optimization problems which are multilevel structures in nature and have features of mixed-discrete design variables, multi-modal and non-continuous objective functions, etc. Firstly, the formulation of the mixed-discrete multilevel optimization problems is presented. Secondly, the architecture and implementation of MLGA are described. Thirdly, the algorithm is applied to two multilevel optimization problems. The first one is a three-level optimization problem in which the optimization of the number of actuators, the positions of actuators and the control parameters are considered in different levels. An actively controlled tall building subjected to strong wind action is considered to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The second application considers a combinatorial optimization problem in which the number and configuration of actuators are optimized simultaneously, an actively controlled building under earthquake excitations is adopted for this case study. Finally, some results and discussions about the application of the proposed algorithm are presented. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd