Optimum design of RC cantilever retaining walls subjected to static and dynamic loadings by differential evolution algorithm

In this study, a solution algorithm based on the differential evolution algorithm is used to optimally design the reinforced concrete cantilever retaining walls. Beside vertical loads, static and earthquake induced dynamic lateral soil pressure are taken into account for designing of the retaining walls. Requirements for reinforced concrete design given in TS-500 and requirements for sliding, overturning and soil bearing capacity evaluation given in TS-7994 are considered as constraints of the optimum design problem. For different combinations of soil properties, section dimensions and reinforcement of the retaining walls are obtained cost of the wall to be minimum and all the considered constraints to be satisfied. Results of sensitivity analysis show that optimum design is insensitive to the selection of differential evolution algorithm parameters. Therefore, differential evolution algorithm can be used as an effective way for optimally designing the reinforced concrete cantilever walls.