Three-Dimensional Shape Optimization of Arch Dams with Prescribed Shape Functions*, †

ABSTRACT Development and application of shape optimization of double-curved arch dams are presented. A mathematical formulation of arch dam design is described, where design variables, objective function, and constraint functions are defined. The geometrical form of the arch dam and part of its load-carrying foundation are described by three-dimensional hyperelements. Design variables are identified as geometrical parameters of these hyperelements. For static analysis of the dam-foundation system, the finite element method is employed with eight node solid elements and an incompatible displacement function. Elements are automatically generated within the hyperelements in each design step. Four different load cases are considered to account for important design specifications. A complete static sensitivity analysis is performed and used in each design iteration. Partial derivatives of element stresses with respect to all design variables are computed within the finite element context. The optimization prob...

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