Optimum Design of Reinforced Concrete Continuous Foundation Using Differential Evolution Algorithm

This paper aims to study optimum design of continuous foundation systems that are commonly used for mid-rise reinforced concrete buildings. The differential evolution algorithm (DE) was used for optimum design of reinforced concrete continuous foundation systems compatible with Turkish Standards 500 and 2007 Turkish Earthquake Code and providing certain constraints of these standards. In the optimization problem, the cross-sectional dimensions, spacing of transverse reinforcement, the diameters and numbers of reinforcement were defined as discrete variables and a total of 26 different decision variables were taken into consideration. Two different examples were created by changing the axial load and moment values transmitted from the structure. The material costs were investigated by choosing the T-beam and rectangular cross section for two examples. Besides, the sensitivity of the problem has been investigated with 2880 analyses for different parameters of the algorithm. The outcomes suggest that the optimum design of the continuous foundation systems can be achieved using T-beam sections. The study also shows that the differential evolution algorithm (DE), which is preferred in solving many engineering problems, can be used effectively in the optimum design of the continuous foundation systems.