Robust Performance-Based Design Optimization of Steel Moment Resisting Frames

The concept of performance-based design is considered in the framework of Robust Design Optimization (RDO) for the design of steel structures. The RDO problem is treated as a two-objective optimization problem where the initial construction cost and the variance of the maximum interstorey drift for the 10% in 50 years hazard level are considered as the problem objectives to be minimized. The structural performance is evaluated by means of the reliability demand and resistance methodology of the FEMA-350 guidelines in order to take into account both uncertainty and randomness in a consistent manner. The structure is designed to respond for different levels of seismic hazard levels with a desired confidence. The limit-state damage cost is used as a measure for the assessment of selected designs that have been obtained through the proposed RDO formulation. The non deterministic finite element problem encountered, is solved using the Monte Carlo Simulation method. The NSGA-II algorithm has been combined with the Evolution Strategies optimization algorithm for solving the two-objective optimization problem at hand.