Approximate Optimum Shape of Concrete Arch Dam Using Particles Swarm Optimization

Structural optimization problems are nonlinear in nature and approximate. Also analysis of huge structure like concrete arch dams is time consuming. So it is not necessary especially in the first steps of optimization to use an accurate method for analysis. Also in classic methods of optimization, final result is dependent on initial point. It is because of existence of several local minimums in optimization space. One of the benefits of the heuristic methods in optimization is avoiding of fall in local minimums.Depending to number of design variables, these methods may require number ofanalyses. In this research, an approximate analysis method suggested by Herzog is used for the analysis of concrete arch dam during optimization process by Particle SwarmOptimization. Several valley shapes are used to check the performance of the method. The global minimum is obtained very fast and it can be a good initial point foroptimizing by accurate analysis in the next step.

Keywords:

Optimization , Concrete Arch Dams , Approximate analysis , Minimum weight design , Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO