Optimization of Pile Groups Using Hybrid Genetic Algorithms
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 135, Issue 4
Abstract
This paper presents an automated optimal design method using a hybrid genetic algorithm for pile group foundation design. The design process is a sizing and topology optimization for pile foundations. The objective is to minimize the material volume of the foundation taking the configuration, number, and cross-sectional dimensions of the piles as well as the thickness of the pile cap as design variables. A local search operator by the fully stressed design (FSD) approach is incorporated into a genetic algorithm (GA) to tackle two major shortcomings of a GA, namely, large computation effort in searching the optimum design and poor local search capability. The effectiveness and capability of the proposed algorithm are first illustrated by a five by five pile group subjected to different loading conditions. The proposed optimization algorithm is then applied to a large-scale foundation project to demonstrate the practicality of the algorithm. The proposed hybrid genetic algorithm successfully minimizes the volume of material consumption and the result matches the engineering expectation. The FSD operator has great improvement on both design quality and convergence rate. Challenges encountered in the application of optimization techniques to design of pile groups consisting of hundreds of piles are discussed.
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Acknowledgments
This research was partially supported by the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Project Nos. UNSPECIFIEDHKUST6126/03E and UNSPECIFIEDHKUST6302/04E). The advice and assistance provided through the practical example by Ping Liu of Ove Arup and Partners Hong Kong Ltd. are also gratefully acknowledged.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 135 • Issue 4 • April 2009
Pages: 497 - 505
Copyright
© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: Jun 5, 2007
Accepted: Jun 18, 2008
Published online: Apr 1, 2009
Published in print: Apr 2009
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