Abstract: This paper presents an empirical comparison of eight heuristic algorithms for solving nonlinear integer optimization problems. The algorithms are first applied to a simple network location problem to assess their relative ...

Abstract: The present paper provides a method for the identification of failure modes that contribute significantly to the estimate of the system probability of failure in rigid‐plastic structures. For structures where loads and ...

Abstract: Optimal costing of structures requires taking into account lifetime management (inspection and maintenance) costs in addition to initial construction cost. Recently published papers on lifetime costing have used Markov ...

Abstract: System identification of very large structures is of necessity accomplished by analyzing output measurements, as in the case of ambient vibration surveys. Conventional techniques typically identify system parameters by ...

Abstract: A stochastic optimization‐simulation method is presented for delineating least‐cost treatment sequences for a centralized liquid industrial waste treatment facility. A dynamic programming model performs the optimization. ...

Abstract: An optimal structural design is defined as the synthesis of a structural initial design and its maintenance/management policy over a design lifetime. Using a Markov decision process (MDP) model and structural reliability ...