Combinatorial optimal design of number and positions of actuators in actively controlled structures using genetic algorithms

In this paper, the optimal design of the numbers and positions of actuators in actively controlled structures is formulated as a three-level optimal design problem. Features of this design problem such as discreteness, multi-modality and hierarchical structure are discussed. A two-level genetic algorithm (TLGA) is proposed for solving this problem. The concept, principle and solution process of the TLGA are described. A case study is presented, in which a building is subjected to earthquake excitation and controlled by active tendon actuators. The results of this study show that: (1) the design problem for optimizing number and configuration of actuators simultaneously in actively controlled structures has the features of non-linearity, mixed-discreteness and multi-modality; (2) a three-level design model can give a reasonable description for this kind of design problem; (3) TLGA is an effective algorithm for solving the combinatorial optimization problem.