This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the application of the Improved Stochastic Ranking Evolution Strategy (ISRES) algorithm for the sizing and layout optimization of truss benchmark structures. Truss structures play a crucial role in engineering and architecture, and optimizing their designs can lead to more efficient and cost-effective solutions. The ISRES algorithm, known for its effectiveness in multi-objective optimization, is adapted for the single-objective optimization of truss designs with multiple design constraints. This study encompasses a wide range of truss benchmark structures, including 10-bar, 15-bar, 18-bar, 25-bar, and 72-bar configurations, each subjected to distinct loading conditions and stress constraints. The objective is to minimize the truss weight while ensuring stress and displacement limits are met. Through extensive experimentation, the ISRES algorithm demonstrates its ability to efficiently explore the solution space and converge to optimal solutions for each truss benchmark structure. The algorithm effectively handles the complexity of the problems, which involve numerous design variables, stress constraints, and nodal displacement limits. A comparative analysis is conducted to assess the performance of the ISRES algorithm against other state-of-the-art optimization methods reported in the literature. The comparison evaluates the quality of the solutions and the computational efficiency of each method. Furthermore, the optimized truss designs are subjected to finite element analysis to validate their structural integrity and stability. The verification process confirms that the designs adhere to the imposed constraints, ensuring the safety and reliability of the final truss configurations. The results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of the ISRES algorithm in providing practical and reliable solutions for the sizing and layout optimization of truss benchmark structures. The algorithm’s competitive performance and robustness make it a valuable tool for structural engineers and designers, offering a versatile and powerful approach for complex engineering optimization tasks. Overall, the findings contribute to the advancement of optimization techniques in structural engineering, promoting the development of more efficient and cost-effective truss designs for a wide range of engineering and architectural applications. The study’s insights empower practitioners to make informed decisions in selecting appropriate optimization strategies for complex truss-design scenarios, fostering advancements in structural engineering and sustainable design practices.

Embedded steel ring connections are widely used in onshore wind turbines (WT) to transfer loads from the tower to the foundation. The structural behavior of the embedded steel ring connection greatly affects the structural integrity of wind turbines under ultimate loads. Approximately 90% of the bending loads (bending/overturning moments) are carried by the base flange of the embedded ring and the embedded ring–concrete contact surfaces. Damage that may occur in these areas significantly affects the tower’s stability and may lead to the tower overturning. The damages that may occur in these areas are the most dangerous that can occur in wind turbines. This study proposes a strengthening method for wind turbine foundations with damaged tower–foundation connections. In order to investigate the effect of the developed strengthening method on the structural behavior of the tower–foundation connection and also to verify the analytical models, 1/15 scale models of an existing wind turbine and its foundation were created. The effect of the developed strengthening method on the tower–foundation connection was investigated by testing the created models in a laboratory environment.

Tarihi yapıların mevcut yüklere ve ileride olabilecek zorlanmalara karşı yapısal davranışlarının belirlenmesi, korunması, sağlamlaştırılması, restorasyon ve mühendislik açısından oldukça önemlidir. Bu kapsamda, tarihi yapılar bilgisayar programları ile modellenerek analizleri yapılmakta ve davranışları belirlenmektedir. Bu çalışmada, SAP2000 programı kullanılarak Rize Merkez’de bulunan ve 1570 yılında İskender Cafer Paşa tarafından yaptırılan Kurşunlu Camisi üzerinde Cape Mendocino, Düzce ve Landers depremleri uygulanarak, zaman tanım alanında dinamik analizler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Yığma taşıyıcı sisteme sahip olan tarihi yapıda her bir ivme kaydı için ortaya çıkan yer değiştirme ve gerilme değerleri elde edilmiş ve analiz sonuçları doğrultusunda bir değerlendirme yapılmıştır.