Flexural and Shear Design of FRP Plated RC Structures Using a Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

A design procedure implementing a genetic algorithm has been developed for the discrete optimization of the design of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) RC structures. The aims of the procedure are to minimize the material costs of strengthening RC beams for flexural and shear behavior. The ultimate limit states and the serviceability limit states are defined according to the European design guidelines for the use of FRP reinforcement in RC structures in accordance with the design format of Eurocode No. 2. The design variables are encoded in order to make use of genetic algorithms as an optimization routine. Comparative studies are presented to study the effect of the different parameters and characteristics of the genetic algorithm. Different aspects covered in the European design code are also considered in the design procedure.