Multi-Objective Seismic Optimization of RC High-Rise Buildings Using NSGA-III

Abstract

This study presents an integrated framework for seismic performance assessment and multi-objective optimization of a G+12 reinforced concrete (RC) high-rise residential building using STAAD.pro and the NSGA-III algorithm. This research contributes a reproducible, automation-based framework for sustainable and code-compliant seismic design, facilitating performance-driven decisions for civil engineers, planners, and stakeholders. Future work may extend toward lifecycle cost modeling, nonlinear time-history analysis, and soil-structure interaction.

Introduction

The study focuses on the seismic performance assessment and multi-objective optimization of a G+12 reinforced concrete (RC) high-rise residential building in India, a tectonically active region where earthquake-resistant design is essential. It emphasizes integrating seismic analysis with modern optimization techniques to move from traditional prescriptive design methods toward intelligent, data-driven, and sustainability-focused structural solutions.

The primary objective is to develop an integrated framework using STAAD.pro for structural modeling (as per IS 1893:2016 and IS 875:1987) and the NSGA-III multi-objective optimization algorithm implemented in Python. The research simultaneously optimizes six conflicting objectives: total construction cost, top-floor displacement, axial force, base shear, inter-story drift, and embodied CO? emissions. Pareto-optimal solutions are identified and evaluated using decision-making tools such as the Weighted Sum Method and sensitivity analysis.

The literature review highlights the growing application of NSGA-III in optimizing cost, sustainability, and performance in building design and retrofitting projects. However, few studies integrate seismic performance, economic factors, and environmental impact simultaneously in high-rise RC structures.

The methodology includes modeling a G+12 building in STAAD.pro, performing static analysis for non-seismic loads and dynamic analysis for seismic loads, and linking structural outputs to the NSGA-III optimization framework. The study compares key response parameters such as displacement, axial force, base shear, and inter-story drift under different loading conditions.

Results show that seismic loading significantly increases structural responses compared to non-seismic loads, confirming the critical need for earthquake-resistant design. The optimization process generates multiple Pareto-optimal design alternatives, demonstrating trade-offs between cost, structural safety, and environmental impact. Overall, the study presents a comprehensive framework for designing safer, cost-effective, and sustainable high-rise buildings in seismic regions.

Conclusion

This research presents a comprehensive methodology for integrating seismic performance evaluation with many-objective optimization to support informed decision-making in the design of RC high-rise buildings. By combining STAAD.pro-based structural simulation with the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III (NSGA-III), the study successfully addressed multiple conflicting design criteria including cost, structural safety, and sustainability.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Mohit Arya, Rakesh Gupta, Mukesh Pandey. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.