Application of the Flower Pollination Algorithm in Structural Engineering

Abstract

In the design of a structural system, the optimum values of design variables cannot be derived analytically. Structural engineering problems have various design constraints concerning structural security measures and practicability in production. Thus, optimization becomes an important part of the design process. Recent studies suggested that metaheuristic methods using random search procedures are effective for solving optimization problems in structural engineering. In this chapter, the flower pollination algorithm (FPA) is presented for dealing with structural engineering problems. The engineering problems are about pin-jointed plane frames, truss systems, deflection minimization of I-beams, tubular columns, and cantilever beams. The FPA inspired from the reproduction of flowers via pollination is effective to find the best optimum results when compared to other methods. In addition, the computing time is usually shorter and the optimum results are also robust.