Optimum Design of Reinforced Concrete Retaining Walls

Abstract

Methodologies based on metaheuristic algorithms such as particle swarm optimization, harmony search algorithm, and teaching-learning-based optimization are proposed for optimum design of reinforced concrete cantilever retaining walls. The objective function of optimization is to find a design providing minimum cost, including material and construction costs. For this purpose, the best combination of 11 design variables (heel and toe projections, stem thickness at the top and bottom of a wall, slab thickness and rebar diameters, and spacing between the bars) that satisfy 29 design constraints including stability (overturning, sliding, and bearing) and reinforced concrete design of the wall are searched during the optimization process. The rules of ACI 318 14 (building code requirements for structural concrete) are used for the reinforced concrete design. In order to determine the strengths and weaknesses of algorithms, several different cases are investigated. As conclusions, some suggestions have been obtained that will lead to future work in this field.