Shape Optimization of Concrete Arch Dams considering Abutment Stability

Abstract

A novel and robust approach is proposed to find the optimum shape of concrete arch dams located on any unsymmetrical shape of the valley. The approach is capable to find the optimum shape for any given valley type in suitable time based on the abutment stability analysis against thrust forces from arch dam. The behavior and stability of the concrete arch dam is strongly dependent on the bedrock that dam rests on it. Stability of abutment is considered as a constraint in proposed approach. In addition a new objective function is introduced to decrease the final volume of the arch dam. Furthermore, a computer program was developed which can take effect of the dam foundation system into consideration and can model the most loads that applied to arch dams. The optimization problem is solved via both the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and classical methods. Several practical factors have been considered to make the approach more feasible and effective in practical projects. The results show the efficiency of the proposed method and the final shape satisfy all constraints.