The genetic algorithm, a search and optimization technique based on th
e theory of natural selection, is applied to problems of structural to
pology design. An overview of the genetic algorithm will first describ
e the genetics-based representations and operators used in a typical g
enetic algorithm search. Then, a review of previous research in struct
ural optimization is provided. A discretized design representation, an
d methods for mapping genetic algorithm ''chromosomes'' into this repr
esentation, is then detailed. Several examples of genetic algorithm-ba
sed structural topology optimization are provided: we address the opti
mization of cantilevered plate topologies, and we investigate methods
for optimizing finely-discretized design domains. The genetic algorith
m's ability to find families of highly-fit designs is also examined. F
inally, a description of potential future work in genetic algorithm-ba
sed structural topology optimization is offered.