Optimum design of actively controlled structures using genetic algorithms

Optimal placement of actuators in actively controlled structures is a mixed-discrete optimization problem; it has the characteristics of nonlinear, non-continuous, and so on. For this type of optimization problem, traditional optimization methods based on mathematical programming may not be effective. In this paper, the complexity, discreteness and non-linearity of the optimal design problems of actuator placement are investigated. An optimal control algorithm and active tendon controllers are applied to control the response of a 16-storey building under earthquake loads. A mathematical model of optimal actuator configuration is established. Based on the special optimization problem of actuator configuration in an actively controlled structure, a modified genetic algorithm is presented and applied to solve the problems. A design procedure/method is presented for this kind of optimization problem, and the suitability of this method for the optimization problem is investigated. The numerical calculation and analysis are carried out for the building controlled by active tendon control mechanisms, and the results are discussed and analyzed in detail.