THE APPLICATION OF OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES IN THE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Abstract The paper discusses practical experience of incorporating optimization techniques in the design process. Methods of optimization often assume that a continuous spectrum of solutions is available to the designer, but in practice the engineer is generally confronted with a finite set of discrete alternatives. The ease and merit of applying experience orientated computations with a pre-planned lattice search method is demonstrated. This approach is illustrated through its application to a specific structural element within a building; and the results are compared with those obtained from a direct search method which incorporates an acceleration strategy and which assumes a continuous spectrum. The application of the method to the synthesis of reinforced concrete rectangular service reservoirs is considered. The results and experience gained from the use of this algorithm indicates the difficulties and advantages which designers have experienced in incorporating optimization within the decision process.