Shape and size optimization of truss structures by Chaos game optimization considering frequency constraints

INTRODUCTION: An engineering system consists of properly established activities and put together to achieve a predefined goal. These activities include analysis, design, construction, research, and development. Designing and constructing structural systems, including buildings, bridges, highways, and other complex systems, have been developed over the centuries. However, the evolution of these systems has been prolonged because the overall process is very costly and time-consuming, requiring primary human and material resources to be utilized. One of the options for overcoming these shortcomings is the utilization of metaheuristic algorithms as recently developed intelligent techniques. These algorithms can be utilized as upper-level search techniques for optimization procedures to achieve better results. OBJECTIVES: Shape and size optimization of truss structures are considered in this paper utilizing the Chaos Game Optimization (CGO) as one of the recently developed metaheuristic algorithms. The principles of chaos theory and fractal configuration are considered inspirational concepts. METHODS: For the numerical purpose, the 10-bar, 37-bar, 52-bar, 72-bar, and 120-bar truss structures as four of the benchmark problems in this field are considered as design examples in which the frequency constraints are considered as limits that have to be dealt with during the optimization procedure. Multiple optimization runs are also conducted for having a comprehensive statistical analysis, while a comparative investigation is also conducted with other algorithms in the literature. RESULTS: Based on the results of the CGO and other approaches from the literature, the CGO can provide better and competitive results in dealing with the considered truss design problems. CONCLUSION: In summary, the CGO can provide better solutions in dealing with the considered real-size structural design problems with higher levels of complexity.