Practical Optimized Trusses via a Combined Ground Structure Approach and Metaheuristic Algorithms

This study introduces an alternative ground structure approach for minimum volume layout optimization of steel trusses using metaheuristic algorithms. Traditional methods, such as the Ground Structure Method, often yield overly complex solutions that are impractical for real‐world construction. The new method, on the other hand, takes a simplified mesh as a starting point and optimizes node positions, thus producing more practical solutions while the additional cost in material usage is marginal. Three metaheuristic search algorithms — a Genetic Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization, and Simulated Annealing — are evaluated in this context. Particle Swarm Optimization demonstrated superior performance among the considered algorithms, achieving lower material volumes in complex scenarios and converging faster than Genetic Algorithms and Simulated Annealing.