Cost optimization of column layout design of reinforced concrete buildings

A new layout optimization methodology is proposed for the cost optimization problem for reinforced concrete (RC) buildings. A new cost function is presented, as an alternative to traditional objective functions. The methodology and the new cost function have the potential of being easily employed in layout optimization of RC structures. Using the alternative cost function, an ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm is formulated to determine the optimal column layout for buildings in order to minimize the cost. An example is included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new methodology and excellent convergence of the ACO algorithm.