Sizing optimization of truss structures using the firefly algorithm

In the study, described in this paper, the recently developed firefly algorithm (FFA) based meta-heuristic optimization method is utilized for the sizing of truss structures. The FFA solves optimization problems by mimicking the behaviour of fireflies. The efficiency of the FFA algorithm implemented in this study is tested on four classical weight minimization problems of truss structures. The optimization results are compared with those reported in the literature for other state-of-the-art meta-heuristic optimization methods. It is found that FFA can design lighter structures than other meta-heuristic methods and always converges to feasible designs