Data-driven approximation algorithms for rapid performance evaluation and optimization of civil structures

This paper explores the use of data-driven approximation algorithms, often called surrogate modeling, in the early-stage design of structures. The use of surrogate models to rapidly evaluate design performance can lead to a more in-depth exploration of a design space and reduce computational time of...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Tseranidis, Stavros, Brown, Nathan Collin, Mueller, Caitlin T
Other Authors: Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Architecture
Format: Article
Language:en_US
Published: Elsevier 2018
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/119411
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9554-8292
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1538-9787
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7646-8505
Description
Summary:This paper explores the use of data-driven approximation algorithms, often called surrogate modeling, in the early-stage design of structures. The use of surrogate models to rapidly evaluate design performance can lead to a more in-depth exploration of a design space and reduce computational time of optimization algorithms. While this approach has been widely developed and used in related disciplines such as aerospace engineering, there are few examples of its application in civil engineering. This paper focuses on the general use of surrogate modeling in the design of civil structures and examines six model types that span a wide range of characteristics. Original contributions include novel metrics and visualization techniques for understanding model error and a new robustness framework that accounts for variability in model comparison. These concepts are applied to a multi-objective case study of an airport terminal design that considers both structural material volume and operational energy consumption. Key Words: surrogate modelling, machine learning, approximation, structural design