Historical evolution of structural optimization techniques for steel skeletal structures including industrial design applications

This study covers the review of algorithms developed for the optimum design of steel skeletal structures from the first article published in 1960 until to date. The paper initially describes the mathematical formulation of a simple truss structural design problem. The early optimum design algorithms that were based on mathematical programming techniques where the design variables are assumed to be continuous are reviewed. The optimum design of steel framed structures necessitates the selection of steel profiles from the standard list of discrete steel sections and requires the satisfaction of design code provisions. Both mathematical programming and optimality criteria techniques need more capability to produce solution to this type of optimum design problems. Soft computing techniques emerged recently provide solution directly without needing any approximation. These techniques are classified and reviewed and their use in obtaining the optimum solution of actual industrial steel design applications is given.