A Call to Refocus Research Goals for the Development of Seismic Optimization Methods

Abstract

At present, there exist a significant number of optimization methods that are veryeffective for determining the properties of structures that satisfy a given seismic designor performance objective. This advancement has been possible thanks to a steady paceof development carried out by researchers. Yet these methods have not been widely adoptedby practicing engineers, most of whom still use a traditional iterative procedure for structuraldesign.This situation has motivated us to ask ourselves if those of us who conduct research inthis area are focusing our efforts in the most strategic direction. This document is an openinvitation to discuss this issue, with the aim to promote a collective reflection of our presentwork, in order to set the best directions for future research efforts in this important area