Multi-objective optimization of reinforced cement concrete retaining wall

Abstract

The optimum design of reinforced cement concrete cantilever (RCC) can be solved in the for the minimum cost satisfying required external and internal stability criteria. For high level decision making, an ideal optimization should give the optimized cost vis-a-vis corresponding factor of safety (FOS) against external stability like bearing, sliding and overturning, which is known as multi-objective optimization problem. In the present work multi-objective optimization of the RCC retaining wall is presented with conflicting objectives of minimum cost and maximum factor of safety against external stability. The Pareto-optimal front is presented using an evolutionary multi-objective optimization algorithm, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II). The results are compared with that obtained using single objective optimization of minimizing the cost. Based on the results a guideline for the optimum dimensioning of the RCC cantilever retaining wall is presented.