Comparing Optimization Approaches in the Direct Displacement-Based Design of Tall Mass Timber Lateral Systems

Seyed Hossein Zargar, Patricio Uarac, Andre R. Barbosa, Arijit Sinha, Barbara Simpson, John W. Van De Lindt, Nathan C. Brown

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Numerical analyses can aid design exploration, but there are several computational approaches available to consider design options. These range from "brute-force" search to optimization. However, the implementation of optimization can be challenging for the complex, time-intensive analyses required to assess seismic performance. In response to this challenge, this study tests several optimization strategies for the direct displacement-based design of a lateral force-resisting system (LFRS) using mass timber panels with U-shaped flexural plates (UFPs) and post-tensioning high-strength steel rods. The study compares two approaches: (1) a brute-force sampling of designs and data filtering to determine acceptable solutions; and (2) various automated optimization algorithms. The differential evolution algorithm was found to be the most efficient and robust approach, saving 90% of computational cost compared to brute-force sampling while producing comparable solutions. However, every optimization formulation did not return best range of design options, often requiring reformulation or hyperparameter tuning to ensure effectiveness.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationComputing in Civil Engineering 2023
Subtitle of host publicationResilience, Safety, and Sustainability - Selected Papers from the ASCE International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering 2023
EditorsYelda Turkan, Joseph Louis, Fernanda Leite, Semiha Ergan
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages705-713
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9780784485248
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
EventASCE International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering 2023: Resilience, Safety, and Sustainability, i3CE 2023 - Corvallis, United States
Duration: Jun 25 2023Jun 28 2023

Publication series

NameComputing in Civil Engineering 2023: Resilience, Safety, and Sustainability - Selected Papers from the ASCE International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering 2023

Conference

ConferenceASCE International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering 2023: Resilience, Safety, and Sustainability, i3CE 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCorvallis
Period6/25/236/28/23

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Computer Science
  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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