A METHOD FOR OPTIMUM LAYOUT DESIGN OF CONCRETE GRAVITY DAMS

A computer-assisted desktop is developed for layout design of a concrete gravity dam on the basis of safety and economy. Using a set of regression equations, a dam layout is proposed. With reference to the regression equations and relevant input data, overall dam dimensions are determined by satisfying the stability criteria jointly under usual, unusual, and extreme loading conditions with the desired hydraulic conformity. Among several feasible alternatives, the program enables a designer to select the optimum layout, which corresponds to the minimum total cost of the structure. The method is applied to a case study to examine dimensions of proposed alternatives and to compare them with those of an existing dam.