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Since the past few years, several metaheuristic algorithms, inspired by the natural processes, have been introduced to solve different complex optimization problems. Studying and comparing the convergence, computational burden and statistical significance of those metaheuristics are helpful for future algorithmic development and their applications. This paper focuses on comparing the optimization performance of classical dragonfly algorithm (DA) and its seven different variants, i.e., hybrid memory-based dragonfly algorithm with differential evolution (DADE), quantum-behaved and Gaussian mutational dragonfly algorithm (QGDA), memory-based hybrid dragonfly algorithm (MHDA), chaotic dragonfly algorithm (CDA), biogeography-based Mexican hat wavelet dragonfly algorithm (BMDA), hybrid Nelder–Mead algorithm and dragonfly algorithm (INMDA) and hybridization of dragonfly algorithm and artificial bee colony (HDA) while solving 80 CEC-2021 benchmark problems. It is observed that the convergence rates of different variants of DA algorithm vary, and the corresponding computational times for such variations are also evaluated. This paper finally ranks DA and its variants according to their convergence efficiency and Friedman test. The DADE, QGDA, BMDA and DA evolve out as the most efficient algorithms for solving the considered CEC-2021 benchmark problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the optimization of mechanically stabilized earth wall (MSEW) with metal strips. Three metaheuristic algorithms based on swarm intelligence are employed consisting of two novel algorithms including Salp swarm algorithm and grey wolf optimizer and the classic algorithm of particle swarm optimization. To this end, a code was developed to model the MSE wall according to FHWA regulations. Due to the significance of MSE wall height in the design, four different heights of wall were considered in different parts of the study. The performance of the algorithms is assessed according to the amount of cost reduction resulted from optimization compared to the costs of design by the common code of practice. Influence of variations in unit costs of major MSEW construction materials on cost function is evaluated. It is found that the unit cost of steel is more effective on the total optimum cost in contrast to the unit cost of earthworks. Moreover, sensitivity analysis of the objective function is accomplished for the main input parameters of the design problem. The results reveal that changing the angle of internal friction of the reinforced soil has quite an identical effect on the optimum costs of walls with different heights. In addition, it is shown that by increasing the height of wall, the effects of variations in reinforced soil unit weight and angle of backfill slope on the optimum cost are increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]