On the structural shape optimization through variational methods and evolutionary algorithms

We employ the variational theory of optimal control problems and evolutionary algorithms to investigate the form finding of minimum compliance elastic structures. Mathematical properties of ground structure approaches are discussed with reference to arbitrary collections of structural elements. A numerical procedure based on a Breeder Genetic Algorithm is proposed for the shape optimization of discrete structural models. Several numerical applications are presented, showing the ability of the adopted search strategy in avoiding local optimal solutions. The proposed approach is validated against a parade of results available in the literature.