A biogeography-based optimization for optimum discrete design of skeletal structures

This article presents a modified biogeography-based optimization (MBBO) algorithm for optimum design of skeletal structures with discrete variables. The main idea of the biogeography-based optimization (BBO) algorithm is based on the science of biogeography, in which each habitat is a possible solution for the optimization problem in the search space. This algorithm consists of two main operators: migration and mutation. The migration operator helps the habitats to exploit the search space, while the mutation operator guides habitats to escape from the local optimum. To enhance the performance of the standard algorithm, some modifications are made and an MBBO algorithm is presented. The performance of the MBBO algorithm is evaluated by optimizing five benchmark design examples, and the obtained results are compared with other methods in the literature. The numerical results demonstrate that the MBBO algorithm is able to show very competitive results and has merits in finding optimum designs.