Optimization of Pile Groups Using Genetic Algorithm

Subject Areas : Analysis of Structure and Earthquake

Mehdi Jahangirpour ¹ ()
Amin sodagar ² ()
Aliakbare heshmati ³ ()
Hosein salehzadeh ⁴ ()

Received: 2012-10-28 Accepted : 2013-02-08 Published : 2013-05-22

Keywords: Genetic Algorithm, Optimization, MATLAB, Keywords: vertical pile groups,

Abstract :

Abstract Most civil projects applied to heavy vertical and horizontal loads or in lands do not have enough strength against applied load. Despite heavy expenses, it is necessary to use pile. Pile foundations are much more expensive than spread and mat foundations; hence, determining number, dimensions and distances should be done with special care so that these parameters are not determined excessively. For optimized design of pile groups, cost analyses based on settlement equations and bearing capacities to determine number, dimensions and piles distances are necessary. In this research, a computer program has been written in MATLAB language, and by using genetic algorithm which can optimize pile groups design. Outputs of this computer program consist of diameter and length of piles, thickness of pile cap, number of piles and their distances in each direction; therefore, this computer program can design an optimized pile group which tackles technical problems while it is the most economical.