League Championship Algorithms for Optimum Design of Pin-Jointed Structures

In this paper, a new optimum truss design approach based on the league championship algorithm (LCA) is introduced. The LCA is a novel metaheuristic algorithm inspired by sporting competitions in sports leagues. Assuming each team as a solution candidate for the problem, the artificial teams compete iteratively in an artificial league to find optimal solutions for the problem. In this study, the concept of the tie outcome is also modeled, beside the win–loss rational modeled in the original algorithm, between the teams to determine game outcome. Based on modeling the tie concept, two versions of the LCA method are proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithms has been investigated on five well-known truss design examples with various constraints such as stress, displacement, and frequency constraints. Comparative results prove the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed algorithms and show that they could be used as a reliable tool for solving truss optimum design problems.