OPTIMUM COST DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE SLABS USING CUCKOO SEARCH OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM

This paper presents a Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm (COA) model for the cost optimization of the one-way and two-way reinforced concrete (RC) slabs according to ACI code. The objective function is the total cost of the slabs including the cost of the concrete and that of the reinforcing steel. In this paper, One-way and two-way slabs with various end conditions are formulated as ACI code. The two-way slabs are modelled and analyzed using direct design method. The problems are formulated as mixed-discrete variables such as: thickness of slab, steel bar diameter, and bar spacing. The presented model can be applied in design offices to reduce the cost of the projects. It is also the first application of the Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm to the optimization of RC slabs. In order to demonstrate the superiority of the presented method in convergence and leading to better solutions, the results of the proposed model are compared with the other optimization algorithms.