Shape optimization of arch dams using sensitivity analysis

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Shape optimization of arch dams using sensitivity analysis

Pourbakhshian, S. / Ghaemain, M.

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to determine the optimal shape of double curvature concrete arch dams by using the sensitivity of design objective to design variables. Design sensitivities quantify the relationship between the design variables such as thickness of crown cantilever, left and right abutment thickness, crown cantilever upstream profile, radius of curvature of water and air faces on one hand and the objective function such as the volume of the concrete arch dam on the other hand. For this aim, first a methodology was developed to provide interface between a finite element method and an optimization algorithm for shape optimization of double curvature concrete arch dams. The constraint conditions are the geometric shape, stress and stability against sliding. Second, the shape optimization of an arch dam was analyzed by using the developed system for sensitivity analysis. The results show that all of the design variables contribute significant and none can be ignored in design. Moreover the crown cantilever upstream profile and Radius of curvature of water face left denoted by USP7 and RLUS16 respectively, show less important role as compared to other design variables.