STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION OF MULTIPLE ATTRIBUTES

This paper presents a methodology for structural design optimization o f multiple objectives, or attributes. The method represents an improve ment over Pareto optimization-based methods by quantitatively represen ting trade-offs between conflicting objectives in a single multi-attri bute objective function. Classical utility analysis is first used to d etermine a multi-attribute evaluation function for a particular struct ure from the designer's viewpoint. This viewpoint takes into account t he attribute tradeoffs that are appropriate for a specific project. Si nce attributes are controlled only indirectly through specification of design decision variables, a new objective function is then formulate d which expresses design utility directly in terms of those parameters over which the designer has direct control. A one-bay, three storey s teel frame building example demonstrates the methodology for determini ng the design configuration with the best combination of cost and drif t index.