Intelligent Garbage Can Decision-Making Model Evolution Algorithm for optimization of structural topology of plane trusses

The optimum design of structural topology of trusses is widely acknowledged as the most difficult and challenging problem in the area of structural optimization. Based on differential evolution algorithms and using the framework of a Garbage Can Decision-Making Model, we proposed an Intelligent Garbage Can Decision-Making Model Evolution Algorithm (IGCMEA) to simulate the decision-making process in human social organizations. In a decision-making process, when faced with issues such as unclear goals and methods, employee turnover and so forth, representatives of all participating parties will communicate, argue, compromise and adapt with each other in order to find a solution to the problems. Group meetings are conducted to choose the best solution in a more objective, reasonable and efficient manner. By applying the differential evolution (DE) algorithm and IGCMEA to perform an optimization test on the 100-dimensional Schwefel Function, we showed that IGCMEA can achieve an efficient and satisfactory result. We also optimized the truss topology using IGCMEA and obtained a better result than when using the Genetic Algorithm as in the literature, thus illustrating the superior power of IGCMEA.

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► Intelligent Garbage Can Decision-Making Model Evolution Algorithm is to use a penalty function.
► It deals with the constrained optimization problem of truss structural topology.
► Good structure shapes are selected to evolve.
► Avoiding blind population evolution, and therefore implementing a directive strategy.