Shape Optimization of Breakwaters with Genetic Algorithm and Investigating the Impact of the Algorithm Parameters

The purpose of this study is to achieve an efficient design strategy for the planform of breakwaters, in order to maintain safety and protect the harbor and access channels by minimizing wave heights entering in the harbor. To achieve this, a genetic algorithm is developed which incorporates with the REF/DIF numerical model. The genetic algorithm finds the best possible solution among different geometries for the breakwater by minimizing the wave height in the harbor, while applying the economic considerations by limiting the length of the breakwater to a certain increase. The superior solutions remain in the next generations and finally the algorithm is converged towards an optimized solution. The impact of the change of the main parameters of the algorithm on the results including the population size, rate of crossover and mutation are also investigated.