Rienforced Concrete Column Cost Optimization with Genetic Algorithm

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a software developed by a Civil Engineering student that utilizes a genetic algorithm to optimize the design of reinforced concrete columns for a 17-story building. The optimization focuses on reducing overall costs, including materials and labor, while adhering to ACI standards. The student seeks feedback on the feasibility and safety of the design, particularly regarding the connections of longitudinal reinforcement between stories. The results indicate significant cost savings, especially in a context where labor is inexpensive but material costs, particularly for imported steel, are high.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of genetic algorithms in structural optimization
  • Familiarity with ACI (American Concrete Institute) design standards
  • Knowledge of reinforced concrete design principles
  • Experience with cost estimation in construction projects
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced applications of genetic algorithms in civil engineering
  • Explore ACI guidelines for reinforced concrete column design
  • Investigate cost-saving techniques in construction materials
  • Learn about the implications of formwork recycling in concrete construction
USEFUL FOR

Civil engineers, construction project managers, and students focusing on structural optimization and cost management in reinforced concrete design will benefit from this discussion.

Amurrioe
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Hi, I'm a Civil Engineering student doing my final project for my BE degree. I have developed a software that uses a genetic algorithm for optimizing reinforced concrete columns. I have tested my program with a 17 stories building, and got some very unusual results in the design but much cheaper. I would to hear some opinions regarding the feasibility of constructing this design in terms of security, if the desgin complys satisfactory with the norm (ACI) and if there would be dificulties with the conections of longitudinal reinforce between each story

The optimization is focues in lowering the overal costos, which includs material and workload costos of concrete, reinforced and formwork.

The criteria for recycling the formwork is done for each diferent face in the column, and only if the faces are the same for two stories down. For example, the sizes of the columns for the stories 6,7,8,9 are 45x55,45x55,40x55,40x55 (cm). In this case, for the stories 8 and 9, the formwork for both parallels faces with dimension 55 cm are recycled because the 8th story uses the same two planks used in the 6th story for the faces with 55 cm, and the 9th story uses both planks of the 7th story for the faces with 55 cm. But the other faces of story 8 are not able to be recycled because story 8 has 40 cm and story 6 has 45 cm and the same happens with the 9th story.

The results are in the following link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10fsqCq7PQZLj1kyHr5BxeztUbavQa7KOb7gnKGrsKEI/edit?usp=sharing

It is also important to note that I have worked with costs from my origin country (Bolivia), and costs of man workload are very cheap compared to material costs. Specialy steel because all steel has to be imported into the country.
 
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send me your coding to see that and then i can tell you where you have problem.
Amurrioe said:
Hi, I'm a Civil Engineering student doing my final project for my BE degree. I have developed a software that uses a genetic algorithm for optimizing reinforced concrete columns. I have tested my program with a 17 stories building, and got some very unusual results in the design but much cheaper. I would to hear some opinions regarding the feasibility of constructing this design in terms of security, if the desgin complys satisfactory with the norm (ACI) and if there would be dificulties with the conections of longitudinal reinforce between each story

The optimization is focues in lowering the overal costos, which includs material and workload costos of concrete, reinforced and formwork.

The criteria for recycling the formwork is done for each diferent face in the column, and only if the faces are the same for two stories down. For example, the sizes of the columns for the stories 6,7,8,9 are 45x55,45x55,40x55,40x55 (cm). In this case, for the stories 8 and 9, the formwork for both parallels faces with dimension 55 cm are recycled because the 8th story uses the same two planks used in the 6th story for the faces with 55 cm, and the 9th story uses both planks of the 7th story for the faces with 55 cm. But the other faces of story 8 are not able to be recycled because story 8 has 40 cm and story 6 has 45 cm and the same happens with the 9th story.

The results are in the following link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10fsqCq7PQZLj1kyHr5BxeztUbavQa7KOb7gnKGrsKEI/edit?usp=sharing

It is also important to note that I have worked with costs from my origin country (Bolivia), and costs of man workload are very cheap compared to material costs. Specialy steel because all steel has to be imported into the country.

send me your coding to see that and then i can tell you where you have problem.
 
Hi, thanks for replying. I don't have a problem in the code, I only would like to hear some comments on the design, if it is applicable in real life.