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Optimum design of reinforced earth walls using evolutionary optimization algorithms

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Abstract

This study addresses the optimum cost design of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) using geosynthetics. The design process of MSEs is mathematically programmed based on an objective function depending on the length of reinforcements and vertical distance of reinforced layers. Design restrictions control the final design to be valid in terms of constraints. The aim is to explore the efficiency of evolutionary-based algorithms in dealing with MSE optimization problem along with automating the minimum cost design of MSE walls. To this end, three evolutionary algorithms, differential evolution (DE), evolution strategy, and biogeography-based optimization algorithm (BBO), are tackled to solve this problem. Comprehensive computational simulations confirm the impact of different effective parameters variation on the final design. Finally, the BBO algorithm performed the best, while DE recorded the most unsatisfactory results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA

    Ali R. Kashani

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, Arak University, Arak, Iran

    Ali Saneirad

  3. School of Business, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, 07030, USA

    Amir H. Gandomi

Authors
  1. Ali R. Kashani
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  2. Ali Saneirad
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  3. Amir H. Gandomi
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Correspondence to Amir H. Gandomi.

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Kashani, A.R., Saneirad, A. & Gandomi, A.H. Optimum design of reinforced earth walls using evolutionary optimization algorithms. Neural Comput & Applic 32, 12079–12102 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00521-019-04264-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00521-019-04264-z

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