Reliability-based design optimization of structural systems using a hybrid genetic algorithm

Abbasnia, Reza,Shayanfar, Mohsenali,Khodam, Ali Techno-Press 2014 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.52 No.6

In this paper, reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) of structures is addressed. For this purpose, the global search and optimization capabilities of genetic algorithm (GA) are combined with the efficiency and reasonable accuracy of an advanced moment-based finite element reliability method. For performing RBDO, three variants of GA including a real-coded, a binary-coded and an improved binary-coded GA are developed. In these methods, GA performs (finite element) reliability analyses to evaluate reliability constraints. For truss structures which include finite element modeling, reliability constraints are evaluated using finite element reliability analysis. Response sensitivity required for finite element reliability analysis is obtained by direct differentiation method (DDM) rather than finite difference method (FDM). The proposed methods are examined within four standard test examples and real-world design problems. The results illustrate the superiority and efficiency of the improved binary-coded GA. Results also illustrate that DDM significantly reduces the computational cost and improves the efficiency of the optimization procedure.

Simultaneous identification of moving loads and structural damage by adjoint variable

Reza Abbasnia,Akbar Mirzaee,Mohsenali Shayanfar 국제구조공학회 2015 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.56 No.5

This paper presents a novel method based on sensitivity of structural response for identifying both the system parameters and input excitation force of a bridge. This method, referred to as “Adjoint Variable Method”, is a sensitivity-based finite element model updating method. The computational cost of sensitivity analyses is the main concern associated with damage detection by these methods. The main advantage of proposed method is inclusion of an analytical method to augment the accuracy and speed of the solution. The reliable performance of the method to precisely indentify the location and intensity of all types of predetermined single, multiple and random damages over the whole domain of moving vehicle speed is shown. A comparison study is also carried out to demonstrate the relative effectiveness and upgraded performance of the proposed method in comparison to the similar ordinary sensitivity analysis methods. Moreover, various sources of error including the effects of noise and primary errors on the numerical stability of the proposed method are discussed.

A new method for progressive collapse analysis of RC frames

Reza Abbasnia,Foad Mohajeri Nav,Nima Usefi,Omid Rashidian 국제구조공학회 2016 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.60 No.1

During the recent years, resistance mechanisms of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings against progressive collapse are investigated extensively. Although a general agreement is observed about their qualitative behavior in technical literature, there is not such a comprehensive point of view regarding the quantitative methods for predicting collapse resistance of RC members. Therefore, in the present study a simplified theoretical method is developed in order to predict general behavior of RC frames under the column removal scenario. In the introduced method, the robustness of the frame is extracted based on the capacity of the beams. The proposed method expresses ultimate arching and catenary capacities of the beams and also obtains the corresponding vertical displacements. Based on the calculated capacities, the introduced method also provides a quantitative assessment of structural robustness and determines whether or not the collapse occurs. The capability of the method is evaluated using experimental results in the literature. The evaluation study indicates that the proposed theoretical procedure can establish a reliable foundation for progressive collapse assessment of RC frame structures.

Reliability-based design optimization of structural systems using a hybrid genetic algorithm

Reza Abbasnia,Mohsenali Shayanfar,Ali Khodam 국제구조공학회 2014 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.52 No.6

In this paper, reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) of structures is addressed. For this purpose, the global search and optimization capabilities of genetic algorithm (GA) are combined with the efficiency and reasonable accuracy of an advanced moment-based finite element reliability method. For performing RBDO, three variants of GA including a real-coded, a binary-coded and an improved binarycoded GA are developed. In these methods, GA performs (finite element) reliability analyses to evaluate reliability constraints. For truss structures which include finite element modeling, reliability constraints are evaluated using finite element reliability analysis. Response sensitivity required for finite element reliability analysis is obtained by direct differentiation method (DDM) rather than finite difference method (FDM). The proposed methods are examined within four standard test examples and real-world design problems. The results illustrate the superiority and efficiency of the improved binary-coded GA. Results also illustrate that DDM significantly reduces the computational cost and improves the efficiency of the optimization procedure.

Simultaneous identification of damage in bridge under moving mass by Adjoint variable method

Mirzaee, Akbar,Abbasnia, Reza,Shayanfar, Mohsenali Techno-Press 2018 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.21 No.4

In this paper, a theoretical and numerical study on bridge simultaneous damage detection procedure for identifying both the system parameters and input excitation mass, are presented. This method is called 'Adjoint Variable Method' which is an iterative gradient-based model updating method based on the dynamic response sensitivity. The main advantage of proposed method is inclusion of an analytical method to augment the accuracy and speed of the solution. Moving mass is a model which takes into account the inertia effects of the vehicle. This interaction model is a time varying system and proposed method is capable of detecting damage in this variable system. Robustness of proposed method is illustrated by correctly detection of the location and extension of predetermined single, multiple and random damages in all ranges of speed and mass ratio of moving vehicle. A comparison study of common sensitivity and proposed method confirms its efficiency and performance improvement in sensitivity-based damage detection methods. Various sources of errors including the effects of measurement noise and initial assumption error in stability of method are also discussed.

Progressive Collapse of Exterior Reinforced Concrete Beam–Column Sub-assemblages

Omid Rashidian,Reza Abbasnia,Rasool Ahmadi,Foad Mohajeri Nav 한국콘크리트학회 2016 International Journal of Concrete Structures and M Vol.10 No.4

Many experimental studies have evaluated the in-plane behavior of reinforced concrete frames in order to understand mechanisms that resist progressive collapse. The effects of transverse beams, frames and slabs often are neglected due to their probable complexities. In the present study, an experimental and numerical assessment is performed to investigate the effects of transverse beams on the collapse behavior of reinforced concrete frames. Tests were undertaken on a 3/10-scale reinforced concrete sub-assemblage, consisting of a double-span beam and two end columns within the frame plane connected to a transverse frame at the middle joint. The specimen was placed under a monotonic vertical load to simulate the progressive collapse of the frame. Alternative load paths, mechanism of formation and development of cracks and major resistance mechanisms were compared with a two-dimensional scaled specimen without a transverse beam. The results demonstrate a general enhancement in resistance mechanisms with a considerable emphasis on the flexural capacity of the transverse beam. Additionally, the role of the transverse beam in restraining the rotation of the middle joint was evident, which in turn leads to more ductile behavior. A macro-model was also developed to further investigate progressive collapse in three dimensions. Along with the validated numerical model, a parametric study was undertaken to investigate the effects of the removed column location and beam section details on the progressive collapse behavior.

Progressive Collapse of Exterior Reinforced Concrete Beam-Column Sub-assemblages: Considering the Effects of a Transverse Frame

Rashidian, Omid,Abbasnia, Reza,Ahmadi, Rasool,Nav, Foad Mohajeri Korea Concrete Institute 2016 International Journal of Concrete Structures and M Vol.10 No.4

Many experimental studies have evaluated the in-plane behavior of reinforced concrete frames in order to understand mechanisms that resist progressive collapse. The effects of transverse beams, frames and slabs often are neglected due to their probable complexities. In the present study, an experimental and numerical assessment is performed to investigate the effects of transverse beams on the collapse behavior of reinforced concrete frames. Tests were undertaken on a 3/10-scale reinforced concrete sub-assemblage, consisting of a double-span beam and two end columns within the frame plane connected to a transverse frame at the middle joint. The specimen was placed under a monotonic vertical load to simulate the progressive collapse of the frame. Alternative load paths, mechanism of formation and development of cracks and major resistance mechanisms were compared with a two-dimensional scaled specimen without a transverse beam. The results demonstrate a general enhancement in resistance mechanisms with a considerable emphasis on the flexural capacity of the transverse beam. Additionally, the role of the transverse beam in restraining the rotation of the middle joint was evident, which in turn leads to more ductile behavior. A macro-model was also developed to further investigate progressive collapse in three dimensions. Along with the validated numerical model, a parametric study was undertaken to investigate the effects of the removed column location and beam section details on the progressive collapse behavior.

A novel sensitivity method to structural damage estimation in bridges with moving mass

Akbar Mirzaee,Mohsenali Shayanfar,Reza Abbasnia 국제구조공학회 2015 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.54 No.6

In this research a theoretical and numerical study on a bridge damage detection procedure is presented based on vibration measurements collected from a set of accelerometers. This method, referred to as “Adjoint Variable Method”, is a sensitivity-based finite element model updating method. The approach relies on minimizing a penalty function, which usually consists of the errors between the measured quantities and the corresponding predictions attained from the model. Moving mass is an interactive model and includes inertia effects between the model and mass. This interactive model is a time varying system and the proposed method is capable of detecting damage in this variable system. Robustness of the proposed method is illustrated by correct detection of the location and extension of predetermined single, multiple and random damages in all ranges of speed and mass ratio of moving vehicle. A comparative study on common sensitivity and the proposed method confirms its efficiency and performance improvement in sensitivity-based damage detection methods. In addition various possible sources of error, including the effects of measurement noise and initial assumption error in stability of method are also discussed.