Multi-objective optimization of double curvature arch dams subjected to seismic loading using charged system search

Abstract

This paper presents a multi-objective formulation for optimization of arch dams. The objective is to simultaneously minimize the concrete volume and stress state of the dam body. Instead of a single design, the multi-objective problem provides a set of Pareto solutions in which a decision maker approach can select best answer according to its preferences. To solve this new problem, a multi-objective charged system search as an efficient meta-heuristic is also developed. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on a real-size double curvature arch dam. The computational results show that the proposed methodology is highly competitive with existing arch dam optimization algorithms.