The effects of a new selection operator on the performance of a genetic algorithm

In this study, the new back controlled (BCSO) selection operator for genetic algorithm (GA) is presented. In the first stage, six existing operators and the BCSO were applied to the traveling salesman and space truss benchmark problems. An analysis of the results of the benchmark problems was made for each of the seven selection operators. In the second stage, the BCSO, the Roulette Wheel, dominant selection the hybrid II and operators were used to determine the fittest beam section has been used. In this stage, the cost of beam for a 18.3 m span developed by Mid-Atlantic States Pre-stressed Concrete Committee for Economic Fabrication and using a genetic algorithm the cost of a beam using BCSO were compared. It was determined that the beam produced using the proposed BCSO selection operator would be lower than those obtained with the existing selection operators. Also the determined beam cost is compares favourably with the average cost of a beam sold by the precast industry in the USA.