Shape optimization based design of arch-type dams under uncertainties

ABSTRACT

Comparing existing design methodologies for arch-type dams, model-based shape optimization can effectively reduce construction costs and leverage the properties of construction materials. To apply means of shape optimization, suitable variables need to be chosen to formulate the objective function, which is here the volume of the arch dam. A genetic algorithm is adopted as the optimization method, which allows a global search. The reliability index is considered as the main constraint. Its computation is realized by adaptive Kriging Monte Carlo simulation, which visibly increases the analysis efficiency compared with traditional Monte Carlo simulations. Constraints, such as the reliability index and further with respect to the geometry, are taken into consideration by a penalty formulation. By means of this approach, a reliability-based design can be found which ensures both the safety and serviceability of a newly designed arch-type dam.

Keywords:

• Arch dam
• shape optimization
• genetic algorithm
• random field
• reliability analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

F. Tan would like to acknowledge support for this work by funding from the China Scholarship Council [grant number 201406260202].