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
SUMMARY This research work includes three main experimental stages. The first stage includes the production of foamed concrete. It is divided into two parts; in the first, mixing design (determination of the proportions of the raw materials) according to the required density was presented and in the second part, the mixing procedure has been illustrated. The second stage includes preparation of samples,(i.e. molding, finishing surface, removal from molds and curing). The third stage includes several tests to estimate properties of the final product and factors influencing them . These properties include density , compressive strength , splitting tensile strength and flexural strength. For foamed concrete with 800 kg/m3 density, the 28-day compressive strength is from (1.334 MPa) to (2.323 MPa), while with 1600 kg/m3 density, the strength is from (7.015 MPa) to (9.591 MPa). For 1600 kg/m3 density foamed concrete, the 28-day flexural strength range is from (1.08 MPa) to (2.205 MPa).