Shape optimization of arch dams under earthquake loading using meta-heuristic algorithms

This paper presents efficiency of three meta-heuristic algorithms for large-scale shape optimization of double curvature arch dams under seismic loading condition with different constraints such as failure, stability and geometrical limitations. The earthquake load is considered by time variant ground acceleration applied in the upstream-downstream direction of the arch dam. Here, the Westergaard method is used to include the dam-reservoir interaction. For optimization, the Charged System Search (CSS), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and a hybrid CSS and PSO (CSS-PSO) are utilized. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the meta-heuristic algorithms for optimal shape design of arch dams. Comparative studies illustrates that the superiority CSS-PSO algorithm compared to the standard PSO and CSS. A parametric study is also conducted to investigate the effect of water depth and earthquake intensity on the cost optimization of the arch dams.