Comparison of different regulations and metaheuristic algorithms in beam design

In this first study, the rectangular reinforced concrete beam’s costs and cross-section sizes are found by using Harmony Search (HS), Differential Evolution Algorithm (DE), Jaya Algorithm, Teaching- Learning Based Algorithm (TLBO), Hybrid algorithm (Jaya-TLBO) and Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA) separately by using ACI 318 building code. In addition, in order to better see how successful the algorithms are, the standard deviation of the algorithms used in the project in a certain number of iterations, price changes and in which iteration the minimum cost is compared. As a result of running different algorithms 5, 10, 15 and 20 times, separate values are recorded, and the average number of iterations of the algorithms for each is shown by finding the standard deviation values. Furthermore, Hybrid Algorithm reached the objective function in fewer iterations and their standard deviations reached 0 earlier. In the second study, the beam design is made according to the ACI 318, TS500 and Eurocode 2 regulations under certain loads by using a Hybrid Algorithm with different concrete classes. Optimization of this design is made using the Matlab program, and comparisons are made between regulations. Eurocode and TS500 design costs are roughly the same; however, ACI 318’s design is the cheapest.