Design optimization of geosynthetic reinforced earth walls using harmony search algorithm

Abstract

Compared to other civil engineering structures. The cost of construction for earth structures is enormous. This is not only because of the large dimension of such structures, but also because of the high safety factors applied to reconcile the driving forces and prevent any possible failures. The fact that stringent policies specify very high safety factors is indicative of the paramount durability needed in earth structures. These policies, to some extent, are not irrational if one considers the extent of life and monetary loss associated with failure of such structures. Traditionally, the analysis and design of earth structures is done following the working stress design principles. Recent developments have led to the application of Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) in the analysis and design of such structures. In the broader engineering world, there are many optimization techniques that can be adopted in the analysis and design of earth structures. Once such technique namely, harmony search algorithm, falls under the category of metaheuristic optimization. In this study, harmony search algorithm is adopted and successfully applied in the design optimization of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls reinforced with geosynthetic. The effects of using non-uniform length and spacing of reinforcement layers, on cost and design of the MSE walls, has been investigated. Results of this study showed that harmony search optimization algorithm is successful in optimally reducing the cost of construction of geosynthetic-reinforced MSE walls.