Optimum Layout of Soil Nailed Walls by Genetic Algorithm

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Shahhid Rajaee Teacher Training Uiniversity

Abstract

Summary
During the last decade, stabilization of soil slopes using nailing has attracted a lot of attention. Optimization of nailing in excavation projects is a potential factor for significant cost savings. Such optimizations are typically performed using trial and error approaches, and thus in several cases the design is not optimal.
 
Introduction
Soil nailing is a construction technique that can be used as a remedial measure to treat unstable natural soil slopes or as a construction technique that allows the safe over-steepening of new or existing soil slopes. The aim of this study is to analyze the stability of slopes using genetic algorithm considering various factors to achieve the optimum length of soil reinforcement elements.
 
Methodology and Approaches
Four main points to be considered in determining if soil nailing would be an effective retention technique are as follows. First, the existing ground conditions should be examined. Next, the advantages and disadvantages for a soil nail wall should be assessed for the particular application being considered. Then other systems should be considered for the particular application. Finally, cost of the soil nail wall should be considered. In this study, a computer code has been developed which uses the genetic algorithm in MATLAB software to determine the percentage of allowable reduction on the length of reinforcement, considering soil shear strength parameters. The code has been developed in such a way that a user unfamiliar with the genetic algorithm concepts is able to easily complete the reinforcement optimization process. A case study has been performed using soil specifications for the central region of Mashhad, around the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS).
 
Results and Conclusions
The outcome of this research suggests that changing rebar size does not substantially affect the total length of reinforcements; however, a change in the diameter of the drill hole has a more significant influence on the reduction of the reinforcement length.

Highlights

  • Optimization in analysis and design of Excavation in urban area
  • Use of genetic Algorithm in engineer problems and optimization
  • Design of nailing use of genetic Algorithm
  • Effect of nail geometry such as diameter and length on analysis and design
  • Effect of mechanical properties of soil on analysis and design

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 July 2015
  • Revise Date: 05 December 2015
  • Accept Date: 07 February 2016

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