Parametric Analysis in the Optimization Design of Composite Cellular Beams † Maria Célia Loss Brandão, Lorena Yepes-Bellver, Moacir Kripka, Élcio Cassimiro Alves Infrastructures, 2026 This study aims to present a parametric analysis in the optimization problem for steel-concrete composite cellular beams with steel deck slabs. A comparative analysis was carried out considering two scenarios, namely, (i) in the first scenario, the slab span and applied loads were varied, adopting slab configurations from a manufacturer’s catalog for spans of 10 m to 20 m with a step of 2.5 m; (ii) in the second scenario, the same span and loading conditions were considered; however, slab optimization was performed by introducing reinforcement in order to evaluate the resulting impacts on the structural design. In both analyzed scenarios, the objective function was defined as the composite system’s CO2 emissions. The design constraints were defined based on literature recommendations, and to solve the optimization problem, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm was also adopted. The results demonstrate that the PSO algorithm was effective in identifying optimal solutions and that the introduction of slab reinforcement, combined with optimal design, led to CO2 emission reductions of up to 25% at the highest load levels analyzed.
Optimum design of composite steel‐concrete beams with external prestressing Kamila Madeira Fiorotti, Adenílcia Fernanda Grobério Calenzani, Élcio Cassimiro Alves Revista Ibracon De Estruturas E Materiais, 2025 The concept of prestressing in concrete beams and its associated calculation procedures are well-established in the literature. However, its application in composite steel-concrete beams has been increasing despite lacking a specific approach in the main design codes. In many cases, designers are required to combine available criteria for calculating steel and reinforced concrete structures. This study aimed to formulate an optimization problem and assess CO2 emissions for the optimal design of composite steel-concrete beams with external prestressing. The design variables considered in the optimization problem include the cross-section of laminated or welded profiles, slab height, characteristic compressive strength of concrete, and the number of tendons. Solutions to the optimization problem were obtained by implementing a Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The analyses included comparisons with experimental examples and optimization problems involving prestressed steel beams. Additionally, a parametric analysis across various spans was performed, allowing the identification of factors with the greatest impact on CO2 emissions. The results indicate that the chosen algorithms effectively generated solutions for the problem, with PSO generally outperforming GA. In terms of emission composition, steel was identified as the largest contributor. Furthermore, welded profiles showed better performance, allowing the omission of prestressing for spans up to 27.5 m, whereas, for laminated profiles, prestressing becomes necessary from 17.5 m. Optimal solutions were found for concrete with a compressive strength greater than 25 MPa.
Optimal design for continuous composite slabs via metaheuristic algorithms Mariana Oliveira Teixeira, Élcio Cassimiro Alves, Janaina Pena Soares de Oliveira Valle, Adenilcia Fernanda Grobério Calenzani Rem International Engineering Journal, 2025 With the increase in greenhouse gas emissions from the construction sector, pursuing more sustainable solutions has become essential. The use of composite steel-concrete slabs can considerably reduce environmental impacts due to their rapid construction and the elimination of the need for shoring. This study aims to present the optimization problem formulation for composite steel-concrete slabs, considering continuity between slabs and the addition of positive and negative reinforcement. The design constraints adhered to the provisions of Brazilian standards for composite steel and concrete structures, while Particle Swarm Optimization and Grey Wolf Optimization algorithms were employed to solve the optimization problem. A comparative analysis was conducted with solutions provided by a formwork manufacturer to assess the effectiveness of the proposed solutions and the gains achieved through the application of the formulation. The optimization algorithms yielded similar optimal solutions in most analyses, with a slight advantage for Grey Wolf Optimization in cases where distinct solutions were obtained. The manufacturer's solutions exhibited a total CO2 emission up to 54% higher than the optimal solutions. The constraints governing the optimization problem were the formation of a plastic hinge due to a negative bending moment and failure due to longitudinal shear.
Optimization of CO2 emissions of composite alveolar beams considering manufacturing constraints Elcio Cassimiro Alves, Moacir Kripka, Gabrieli Fontes Silva, Adenilcia Fernanda Grobério Calenzani Rem International Engineering Journal, 2025 The increasing concern over the scarcity of natural resources has driven the search for more sustainable structural designs. Among the various alternatives, steel-concrete composite cellular structures have emerged as a good solution for large spans, combining the strength properties of concrete and steel without significantly increasing the structure's mass. This article presents a formulation for the optimization of steel-concrete composite cellular beams aimed at minimizing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In addition to the materials used, emissions from manufacturing processes, specifically cutting and welding of profiles, are also considered. The problem was addressed using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), and numerical examples are provided to investigate the advantages of the proposed formulation compared to steel welded beams. Among the results, it was observed that similar solutions were obtained with both optimization methods. In addition, varying the span of the beams in a range of 5 to 17.5 m, it was possible to identify structural profiles and configurations that are more efficient regarding weight and environmental impact. The best results in almost all the spans are from the Litzka beam, except for the 17.5 m span, which was the Peiner beam that had the lowest CO2 emission.
Multi-objective optimization of prestressed composite steel and concrete beam via multi-objective particle swarm optimization ÉC Alves, AEP de Almeida Structural Engineering and Mechanics 97 (1), 35 , 2026 2026
Multi-Objective Optimization of Tubular Composite Trusses: Analysis of CO2 Emission and Load Bearing Capacity C Oliveira, EC ALVES, SM de Moraes Pinheiro XLVI Ibero-Latin American Congress on Computational Methods in Engineering 555 , 2025 2025
Multi-Objective Optimization of Steel and Concrete Composite Cellular Beams PHA Guimarães, MCL Brandão, MAC Rodrigues, EC ALVES XLVI Ibero-Latin American Congress on Computational Methods in Engineering 5 , 2025 2025
Cost and CO₂ Emissions Analysis in the Multi-Objective Optimization of Steel-Concrete Composite Slabs Using the MOPSO Algorithm IOM da Silva, EC Alves, AFG Calenzani, ACP Pereira XLVI Ibero-Latin American Congress on Computational Methods in Engineering 5 , 2025 2025
Multi-Objective Optimization of Steel–Concrete Composite Slabs Using MOPSO: Structural, Energy, and Environmental Assessment AEP de Almeida, EC ALVES XLVI Ibero-Latin American Congress on Computational Methods in Engineering 5 , 2025 2025
Neural Network Surrogates for Efficient Mass Optimization of Web-Tapered Beams MT Silva, ÉC Alves, JVF Dias 2025
Multi-Objective Optimization of Steel and Concrete Tubular Composite Columns LAP Corrêa, MAC Rdorigues, EC ALVES XLVI Ibero-Latin American Congress on Computational Methods in Engineering 555 , 2025 2025
Multiobjective optimization of steel and concrete composite slabs via MOPSO algorithm IM da Silva, ÉC Alves, AFG Calenzani Structures 80, 109722 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Optimal design for continuous composite slabs via metaheuristic algorithms MO Teixeira, ÉC Alves, JPSO Valle, AFG Calenzani REM-International Engineering Journal 78 (4), e250018 , 2025 2025
Optimization methods for numerical model calibration in structural engineering TAM Souza, GA Sirilo, EC Alves, LV Lobo, RMLF Brasil, JVF Dias MESA 16 (2), 301-317 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Optimization of CO 2 emissions of composite alveolar beams considering manufacturing constraints EC Alves, M Kripka, GF Silva, AFG Calenzani REM-International Engineering Journal 78 (2), e240041 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Optimum design of composite steel‐concrete beams with external prestressing KM Fiorotti, AFG Calenzani, EC Alves Ibracon Structures and Materials Journal 18 (2), 1-19 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Optimum Design of truss structures considering nonlinear analysis and dynamic loading using metaheuristic algorithms BS Domingues, MAC Rodrigues, ÉC Alves REM-International Engineering Journal 78 (1), e240008 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Comparative analysis in the optimum design of composite floor system with different beams topologies LDSS Amorim, LDA Nitz, CGM da Silva, SMP de Moraes, ÉC Alves 2025 Citations: 2
Optimal Design of Pile Caps considering Soil Structures Iteration MAC Rodrigues, MR Zanelato, ÉC Alves Ibero-Latin American Congress on Computational Methods in Engineering (CILAMCE) , 2024 2024
Cost and CO2 emission optimization of steel-concrete composite floor systems with composite tubular trusses CMG da Silva, LDSS Amorim, AFG Calenzani, ÉC Alves Ibero-Latin American Congress on Computational Methods in Engineering (CILAMCE) , 2024 2024
Multiobjective Optimization of Steel and Concrete Composite Slabs via NSGA algorithm I Maia, EC Alves, AFG Calenzani Ibero-Latin American Congress on Computational Methods in Engineering (CILAMCE) , 2024 2024
Evaluation of Optimization Algorithms for Calibration of Numerical Models of Engineering Structures TAM de Souza, EC Alves, GA Sirilo, JVF Dias Ibero-Latin American Congress on Computational Methods in Engineering (CILAMCE) , 2024 2024
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Estudo da estabilidade global de edifícios altos com lajes protendidas LA Feitosa, EC Alves Revista IBRACON de Estruturas e Materiais 8, 196-224 , 2015 2015 Citations: 23
Optimization of the structural system with composite beam and composite slab using Genetic Algorithm BD Breda, TC Pietralonga, ÉC Alves Revista IBRACON de Estruturas e Materiais 13, e13602 , 2020 2020 Citations: 20
Optimum design of steel columns filled with concrete via genetic algorithm: environmental impact and cost analysis SA Guimarães, D Klein, AFG Calenzani, ÉC Alves REM-International Engineering Journal 75 (2), 117-128 , 2022 2022 Citations: 19
Towards sustainable reinforced concrete beams: multi-objective optimization for cost, CO 2 emission, and crack prevention NR dos Santos, EC Alves, M Kripka Asian Journal of Civil Engineering 25 (1), 575-582 , 2024 2024 Citations: 18
Study of global stability of tall buildings with prestressed slabs LA Feitosa, EC Alves Revista IBRACON de Estruturas e Materiais 8 (2), 196-224 , 2015 2015 Citations: 18
Optimum design of a composite floor system considering environmental and economic impacts PAT Arpini, MC Loureiro, BD Breda, AF Calenzani, ÉC Alves Revista IBRACON de Estruturas e Materiais 15, e15302 , 2022 2022 Citations: 17
Análise de estabilidade global em edifícios altos EC Alves, JFM Paixão REEC-Revista Eletrônica de Engenharia Civil 13 (1) , 2017 2017 Citations: 16
Analysis of instability of tall buildings with prestressed and waffle slabs VM Passos, LA Feitosa, EC Alves, MS Azevedo Revista IBRACON de Estruturas e Materiais 9, 244-262 , 2016 2016 Citations: 13
CO 2 emission optimization of composite floor systems with cellular beams via metaheuristics algorithms GF Silva, M Kripka, ÉC Alves Structural engineering and mechanics: An international journal 89 (5), 453-466 , 2024 2024 Citations: 12
Topological optimization of composite trusses considering CO 2 emission via metaheuristics algorithms G Erlacher, AFG Calenzan, ÉC Alves Revista Ibracon de Estruturas e Materiais 16 (6), e16606 , 2023 2023 Citations: 12
Optimization of steel beams with external pretension, considering the environmental and financial impact KM Fiorotti, GF Silva, AFG Calenzani, ÉC Alves Asian Journal of Civil Engineering 24 (8), 3331-3344 , 2023 2023 Citations: 11
Geometry optimization of steel formwork for steel–concrete composite slabs MC Loureiro, ÉC Alves, AFG Calenzani Structures 58, 105395 , 2023 2023 Citations: 9
Optimization of CO 2 Emission of the Composite Floor System via Metaheuristics Algorithm. PAT Arpini, ÉC Alves Journal of Engineering Science & Technology Review 15 (6) , 2022 2022 Citations: 9
Numerical analysis of collapse modes in optimized design of alveolar Steel-concrete composite beams via genetic algorithms EC Alves, JR Ramos REM-International Engineering Journal 74 (2), 173-181 , 2021 2021 Citations: 9
Analysis of the global tall buildings stability in flat slabs considering the soil structure interaction EC Alves, LA Feitosa Revista IBRACON de Estruturas e Materiais 13 (01), 183-199 , 2020 2020 Citations: 9
Análise de sensibilidade e otimização de estruturas: Submetidas a vibrações aleatórias ÉC Alves, LE Vaz Novas Edições Acadêmicas , 2017 2017 Citations: 9
Dimensionamento ótimo de pilares de concreto armado FM Sias, ÉC Alves REEC-Revista Eletrônica de Engenharia Civil 9 (3) , 2014 2014 Citations: 9
Dimensionamento otimizado de vigas celulares de aço GP Lubke, EC Alves, MS Azevedo Revista da Estrutura de Aço 6, 01-29 , 2017 2017 Citations: 8
Análise da instabilidade de edifícios altos com lajes protendidas e lajes nervuradas VM Passos, LA Feitosa, EC Alves, MS Azevedo Revista IBRACON de Estruturas e Materiais 9, 244-262 , 2016 2016 Citations: 8