Kriging-based heuristic optimization of a continuous concrete box-girder pedestrian bridge

The structural optimization aims to determine the best solutions for the project objectives while guaranteeing the structural constraints. The heuristic algorithms follow an intelligent process in which the design variables are modified for the purpose of optimizing the objective function and verify the constraints. Methodologies like metamodel-based design optimization or surrogate-based optimization carry out a pseudo-optimization applicable to structures. The kriging method provides a response surface from the sample that can be optimized. In this paper, conventional heuristic optimization and kriging-based heuristic optimization are applied to the same case study. This case involves a continuous box-girder pedestrian bridge. The comparison of the methodologies shows the advantages and disadvantages of both methodologies. Furthermore, a major compression of both processes gain a better understanding of the methods and the most suitable cases.