A novel harmony search based optimization of reinforced concrete biaxially loaded columns

A novel optimization approach for reinforced concrete (RC) biaxially loaded columns is proposed. Since there are several design constraints and influences, a new computation methodology using iterative analyses for several stages is proposed. In the proposed methodology random iterations are combined with music inspired metaheuristic algorithm called harmony search by modifying the classical rules of the employed algorithm for the problem. Differently from previous approaches, a detailed and practical optimum reinforcement design is done in addition to optimization of dimensions. The main objective of the optimization is the total material cost and the optimization is important for RC members since steel and concrete are very different materials in cost and properties. The methodology was applied for 12 cases of flexural moment combinations. Also, the optimum results are found by using 3 different axial forces for all cases. According to the results, the proposed method is effective to find a detailed optimum result with different number of bars and various sizes which can be only found by 2000 trial of an engineer. Thus, the cost economy is provided by using optimum bars with different sizes