Hybrid algorithm for identification of stable reference points in a monitoring network

Abstract The results of deformation analysis are crucial for the safety of engineering infrastructure and people’s lives. A key element of this analysis is the identification of stable points of the monitoring network, which will constitute the reference for further calculated displacements. This paper proposes a new method of stability analysis aimed at identifying stable groups of reference points in a displacement monitoring network. It is based on coordinate transformation and involves searching for the optimal set of transformation parameters identified with the optimal point in the transformation parameters space. A hybrid algorithm, which combines two optimization algorithms – Hooke–Jeeves and Simulated Annealing – is used to search for the solution. Two variants of the objective function were tested as the elements of the algorithm. Multiple solutions (groups of congruent reference points) can be detected in case they exist. The simulated 2D network with two congruent point groups was used as an example to illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm. The proposed hybrid algorithm appeared to overperform the individual Hooke–Jeeves and Simulated Annealing algorithms.