Shape Optimization of Concrete Arch Dams with SPSA Algorithm and Post-analysis of Pareto Front for selection the Best Alternatives

The optimization of structure shapes is a challenging endeavor in many fields of engineering since the generation of a parametrical model and numerical solutions of the model in the optimization process may have heavy computational costs. In the present study, a methodology is presented for the design of shape optimization of high arch dams to simultaneously reduce dam construction costs and increase the dam body safety by considering stage construction. Structural optimization is performed for permanents loads, including dam body weight and the hydrostatic pressure of the reservoir water. To simulate concreting, the dam body weight is considered through an eight-stage loading. The Simultaneous Perturbation Stochastic Approximation (SPSA) optimization algorithm is employed to find the optimized shape using the simple additive weighting method. The VIKOR method is used to decide upon the optimized shape of the dam. The proposed methodology greatly assists analysts with little experience in designing. It also helps decide upon the preferred solution from among optimal solutions.