Optimization of the effective width of the foundation of a homogeneous earth dam under earthquake using the IWO algorithm

Abstract

The stability of the earthen dam during an earthquake is important because of the need for safety for the people of that area. Dynamic two-dimensional finite element analysis was performed on a homogeneous earthen dam of Narmab located 5 km south of Minodasht city in Golestan province in Iran. In this study, the effect of theManjil earthquake on the structure of the earthen dam with the water stored in the reservoir has been investigated. In this research, the foundation is assumed to be flexible and not rigid, so the effective width of the foundation in dynamic analysis needs to be considered. The purpose of this research is to determine optimal foundation flank according to the height of the earth dam, which is modeled based on logical assumptions in PLAXIS software. The invasive weed optimization (IWO) algorithm has been used to obtain the effective width of the foundation in the homogeneous earth dam. The result of the algorithm method calculations gives the optimal value of the foundation analysis flanks in terms of dam height equal to 1.81.