Abstract: This research work presents a geotechnical design optimisation algorithm for pile groups based on particle swarm optimisation (PSO) technique. The main objective of the research is to develop a computer program for optimising the size and configuration of pile groups using PSO, while satisfying the Eurocode 7 geotechnical design criteria. PSO is a gradient-free bio-inspired search algorithm capable of achieving global optimum by virtue of its capacity to cover a wide area searching for the best solution. The PSO design optimisation of pile groups were began with the generation of particle population with each member representing a set of pile groups and must satisfy the EC7 design criteria. The objective function of the optimisation is to minimised construction cost. The design variables were: pile diameter (D), length (L), thickness of the pile cap (TH), pile spacing (S), number of piles (N). and the input into the work were soil sub-surface profile, and loads. Two types of piles (bored and driven) are considered in the design optimisation and the static axial loads of 500kN, 2000kN, 4000kN, 8000kN, and 16000kN are considered, and the design were carried out in accordance with Eurocode 7. Cohesive and cohesion-less materials with multilayer thickness are also considered. The results showed that both types of piles (bored and driven) satisfied load ratio condition in both cohesive and cohesion less soils. The results have also shown that particle swarm optimisation (PSO) based design code developed during this research has been able to obtain optimised parameters involved in the design of pile groups.
Keywords: Piles, Optimisation, Algorithms, Program.
Title: Geotechnical Design Optimisation of pile groups based on Particle Swarm Optimisation Technique
Author: Adamu Bakoji, Abdussamad Ismail, Abdulrahman Haruna
International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering Research
ISSN 2348-7607 (Online)
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