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Abstract

This research presents an efficient strategy to find optimum analysis and shape design for arch dams. Where the design geometry is built using (Solid Work Program), which is considered as one of important programs for analysis and design of complex structures. A finite element method is used to analyze the arch dam body, which is proved to be an important method for analysis and gives accurate results according to previous researches. The design of the basic shape of the dam has been done by using horizontal curve and vertical curve equations. After conducting the analysis and design of the initial model by (SolidWork) program, it was transferred to the second phase. This is the shape optimization process by using (Genetic Algorithm) in (Matlab) program. This method is an efficient method for all optimization problems in different branches. The objective function in this research is the minimum volume of the dam, which leads to minimum weight design. There are many constraint controls the selecting of optimum shape. In this work, geometrical and structural constraints are considered. At this stage, to calculate the volume of the dam body, integration method is used to convert the volume in terms of the design variables (tc1, tc2, and tc3) which represent the thickness of the dam at three levels. Then this equation has been moved to (Genetic Algorithm tools) using (m-file) to complete the optimization process. The results show that the best design shape of the dam is with thicknesses (5.5m, 13.3m, and 19.8m) with a final optimal volume of53.75% less than the initial model and the stress is still less than the allowable limits
 

 

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