Stochastic Structural Optimization presents a comprehensive picture of robust design optimization of structures, focused on nonparametric stochastic-based methodologies. Good practical structural design accounts for uncertainty, for which reliability-based design offers a standard approach, usually incorporating assumptions on probability functions which are often unknown. By comparison, a worst-case approach with bounded support used as a robust design offers simplicity and a lower level of sensitivity. Linking structural optimization with these two approaches by a unified framework of non-parametric stochastic methodologies provides a rigorous theoretical background and high level of practicality. This text shows how to use this theoretical framework in civil and mechanical engineering practice to design a safe structure which accounts for uncertainty. Connects theory with practice in the robust design optimization of structures Advanced enough to support sound practical designs This book provides comprehensive coverage for engineers and graduate students in civil and mechanical engineering. Makoto Yamakawa is a Professor at Tokyo University of Science, and a member of the Advisory Board of the 2020 Asian Congress of Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization. Makoto Ohsaki is a Professor at Kyoto University, Japan, treasurer of the International Association for Shell & Spatial Structures and former President of the Asian Society for Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization.

Stochastic Structural Optimization presents a comprehensive picture of robust design optimization of structures, focused on nonparametric stochastic-based methodologies. Good practical structural design accounts for uncertainty, for which reliability-based design offers a standard approach, usually incorporating assumptions on probability functions which are often unknown. By comparison, a worst-case approach with bounded support used as a robust design offers simplicity and a lower level of sensitivity. Linking structural optimization with these two approaches by a unified framework of non-parametric stochastic methodologies provides a rigorous theoretical background and high level of practicality. This text shows how to use this theoretical framework in civil and mechanical engineering practice to design a safe structure which accounts for uncertainty. Connects theory with practice in the robust design optimization of structures Advanced enough to support sound practical designs This book provides comprehensive coverage for engineers and graduate students in civil and mechanical engineering. Makoto Yamakawa is a Professor at Tokyo University of Science, and a member of the Advisory Board of the 2020 Asian Congress of Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization. Makoto Ohsaki is a Professor at Kyoto University, Japan, treasurer of the International Association for Shell & Spatial Structures and former President of the Asian Society for Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization.

This book examines optimization problems that in practice involve random model parameters. It details the computation of robust optimal solutions, i.e., optimal solutions that are insensitive with respect to random parameter variations, where appropriate deterministic substitute problems are needed. Based on the probability distribution of the random data and using decision theoretical concepts, optimization problems under stochastic uncertainty are converted into appropriate deterministic substitute problems. Due to the probabilities and expectations involved, the book also shows how to apply approximative solution techniques. Several deterministic and stochastic approximation methods are provided: Taylor expansion methods, regression and response surface methods (RSM), probability inequalities, multiple linearization of survival/failure domains, discretization methods, convex approximation/deterministic descent directions/efficient points, stochastic approximation and gradient procedures and differentiation formulas for probabilities and expectations. In the third edition, this book further develops stochastic optimization methods. In particular, it now shows how to apply stochastic optimization methods to the approximate solution of important concrete problems arising in engineering, economics and operations research.

Sequential Stochastic Optimization provides mathematicians andapplied researchers with a well-developed framework in whichstochastic optimization problems can be formulated and solved.Offering much material that is either new or has never beforeappeared in book form, it lucidly presents a unified theory ofoptimal stopping and optimal sequential control of stochasticprocesses. This book has been carefully organized so that littleprior knowledge of the subject is assumed; its only prerequisitesare a standard graduate course in probability theory and somefamiliarity with discrete-parameter martingales. Major topics covered in Sequential Stochastic Optimization include: * Fundamental notions, such as essential supremum, stopping points,accessibility, martingales and supermartingales indexed by INd * Conditions which ensure the integrability of certain suprema ofpartial sums of arrays of independent random variables * The general theory of optimal stopping for processes indexed byInd * Structural properties of information flows * Sequential sampling and the theory of optimal sequential control * Multi-armed bandits, Markov chains and optimal switching betweenrandom walks

Optimization methods are perceived to be at the heart of computer methods for designing engineering systems. With these optimization methods, the designer can evaluate more alternatives, resulting in a better and more cost-effective design. This guide describes the use of modern optimization methods with simple yet meaningful structural design examples. Optimum solutions are obtained and, where possible, compared with the solutions obtained using traditional design procedures.

Throughout the past few years, there has been extensive research done on structural design in terms of optimization methods or problem formulation. But, much of this attention has been on the linear elastic structural behavior, under static loading condition. Such a focus has left researchers scratching their heads as it has led to vulnerable structural configurations. What researchers have left out of the equation is the element of seismic loading. It is essential for researchers to take this into account in order to develop earthquake resistant real-world structures. Structural Seismic Design Optimization and Earthquake Engineering: Formulations and Applications focuses on the research around earthquake engineering, in particular, the field of implementation of optimization algorithms in earthquake engineering problems. Topics discussed within this book include, but are not limited to, simulation issues for the accurate prediction of the seismic response of structures, design optimization procedures, soft computing applications, and other important advancements in seismic analysis and design where optimization algorithms can be implemented. Readers will discover that this book provides relevant theoretical frameworks in order to enhance their learning on earthquake engineering as it deals with the latest research findings and their practical implementations, as well as new formulations and solutions.

Collection of technical papers presented at the 5th International Conference on Stochastic Structural Dynamics (SSD03) in Hangzhou, China during May 26-28, 2003. Topics include direct transfer substructure method for random response analysis, generation of bounded stochastic processes, and sample path behavior of Gaussian processes.