Size optimization of planar truss systems using the modified salp swarm algorithm

This work evaluates the performance of the salp swarm algorithm (SSA) for truss system optimization problems and presents a novel method called the modified salp swarm algorithm (MSSA). Five truss structures, previously optimized by metaheuristics and containing discrete and continuous variables, were used for the evaluations. Size and size–shape optimization types were considered. Although the SSA performs poorly and has convergence issues in initial random solutions, it reaches comparable solutions to previously published results, particularly in continuous problems. In contrast, the MSSA achieves the best solutions for discrete problems and is relatively close to the best results in the reference literature on continuous problems. Moreover, the MSSA convergence curves exhibit a modest increase in convergence rates, especially for discrete problems. It is envisaged that the findings will contribute to improving solution performance, convergence speed and security for future real-world applications.