Metaheuristic Optimization in Seismic Structural Design and Inspection Scheduling of Buildings

Author(s):  
Chara Ch. Mitropoulou ◽  
Vagelis Plevris ◽  
Nikos D. Lagaros

Optimization is a field where extensive research has been conducted over the last decades. Many types of problems have been addressed, and many types of algorithms have been developed, while their range of applications is continuously growing. The chapter is divided into two parts; in the first part, the life-cycle cost analysis is used as an assessment tool for designs obtained by means of prescriptive and performance-based optimum design methodologies. The prescriptive designs are obtained through a single-objective formulation, where the initial construction cost is the objective to be minimized, while the performance-based designs are obtained through a two-objective formulation where the life-cycle cost is considered as an additional objective also to be minimized. In the second part of the chapter, the problem of inspection of structures and routing of the inspection crews following an earthquake in densely populated metropolitan areas is studied. A model is proposed and a decision support system is developed to aid local authorities in optimally assigning inspectors to critical infrastructures. A combined particle swarm – ant colony optimization based framework is implemented, which proves to be an instance of a successful application of the philosophy of bounded rationality and decentralized decision-making for solving global optimization problems.

Data Mining ◽  
2013 ◽  
pp. 2132-2152
Author(s):  
Chara Ch. Mitropoulou ◽  
Vagelis Plevris ◽  
Nikos D. Lagaros

Optimization is a field where extensive research has been conducted over the last decades. Many types of problems have been addressed, and many types of algorithms have been developed, while their range of applications is continuously growing. The chapter is divided into two parts; in the first part, the life-cycle cost analysis is used as an assessment tool for designs obtained by means of prescriptive and performance-based optimum design methodologies. The prescriptive designs are obtained through a single-objective formulation, where the initial construction cost is the objective to be minimized, while the performance-based designs are obtained through a two-objective formulation where the life-cycle cost is considered as an additional objective also to be minimized. In the second part of the chapter, the problem of inspection of structures and routing of the inspection crews following an earthquake in densely populated metropolitan areas is studied. A model is proposed and a decision support system is developed to aid local authorities in optimally assigning inspectors to critical infrastructures. A combined particle swarm – ant colony optimization based framework is implemented, which proves to be an instance of a successful application of the philosophy of bounded rationality and decentralized decision-making for solving global optimization problems.


Author(s):  
Hesham Osman

One main shortcoming in the use of life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) for analyzing long-term infrastructure projects is the uncertainty in the value of the LCCA parameters. Probabilistic LCCA incorporates these elements of uncertainty by assigning probabilistic values to cost and performance parameters. Studies that have performed probabilistic LCCA in the infrastructure domain propose a probability-based framework for alternative comparison. Although such frameworks convey a wealth of probabilistic information, they are not well suited to decision making. This study proposes a risk-based framework that is similar to techniques used in portfolio risk management. To illustrate the use of such a framework, a Monte Carlo simulation is used to perform probabilistic LCCA for a highway project. Two highway investment opportunities with varying risks and returns are analyzed. The decision framework is used to compare the simulation results with some common investment opportunities in the market. This framework enables private-sector investors to assess the relative risks and returns of alternative infrastructure projects. The fact that similar frameworks are used in the financial investment domain makes this approach suitable for the economic analysis of privatized infrastructure.


2021 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 58-60
Author(s):  
Jan Vogl ◽  
Mária Jánešová

The development of foreign trade plays an important role in the Czech economy. The important foreign trade commodity item is Machinery and transport equipment (SITC 7). Railway vehicles is a part of this category, other means of transport (SITC 79).In order to maintain competitiveness and economic growth, it is necessary for the railway industry to intensify the innovation and the introducing of new technologies into production. One of the available options is a wider implementation of life cycle cost analysis, which enables to activate innovative efforts, as well as to improve technical and performance data.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (04) ◽  
pp. 314-320
Author(s):  
Azam Khan ◽  
◽  
Mahmood Omar Imam ◽  

Road network acts as a vein for the socio-economicdevelopment of a country. To maintain sustainable development,countries all over the world are investing heavily in road network infrastructure development. Bangladesh, an essential partner of the Asian Highway, is alsoinvesting heavily in road network development. But due to poorplanning, inefficient implementing agencies, inadequate pavementdesign, low-quality construction practices, lack of pavementmaintenance, rampant overloading & tropical climaticconditions, the investment is not yielding the desired result. In Bangladesh, the current trend of pavement construction is 95% flexible pavement [16]. Due to tropical climatic conditions & regular flash floods during the rainy season, water stagnation damages the flexible pavements severely. The rigid pavement has a high potential of survivability against the damage due to water stagnation. In Bangladesh, the transportation agencies emphasize on least initial construction cost rather thanthe least Life Cycle Costas the only tool for pavement type selection. Due to low initial construction cost, the flexible pavement always gets priority over the rigid pavement. In this research, Life Cycle Cost Analysisof flexible and rigid pavement had been done for Sylhet-Bholagajroad comprising of both rigid & flexible portions. The pavement design data & different Schedule of Rates collected from the Roads and Highways Departmenthad been used for this analysis. 12% discount rate was used to convert all estimated future costs to Net Present Value. After performing a life cycle cost analysis, it can be concluded that rigid pavement is the optimal choice of pavementfor developing countries like Bangladesh.


Author(s):  
Filippo Giammaria Praticò ◽  
Marinella Giunta

In this paper a RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Safety) – LCCA (Life Cycle Cost Analysis) mixed approach is proposed in order to support decisions on design and maintenance strategies of rail tracks. RAMS management, usually applied in railway sector, lacks a life-cycle cost perspective and balance, while LCCA supports decisions on design options and maintenance strategies by means of an economic analysis in which costs and performance are assessed. Therefore, a Decision Support System, based on Life-Cycle Costing (LCC) analysis, should be developed, balancing short and long-term costs with performance (RAMS target). The model proposed accounts for a comprehensive life cycle cost analysis based not only on agency (e.g., construction, inspection, maintenance and renewal), and user costs (e.g., delay-related, etc.), but also on environmental costs (e.g., related to CO2e emissions). For RAMS analysis, a new method to measure the RAMS components and to define an overall indicator is proposed. Results show that the RAMS of a slab track is generally higher than the one of a ballasted track. In terms of present value of two solutions, the breakeven point between them is very far from the end of construction and this may impact public opinion and overall judgment.


2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 158-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Morfonios A. Morfonios ◽  
◽  
D. Kaitelidou D. Kaitelidou ◽  
G. Filntisis G. Filntisis ◽  
G. Baltopoulos G. Baltopoulos ◽  
...  

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