Optimization of Embankments by Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm

Embankments are one of the most important and expensive civil engineering structures. Cost of construction of these structures directly depends on volume of embankments which in turn depends on their cross section area. Reducing cross section area of embankment causes decreasing in the embankment volume and it leads to a significant reducing in cost of constructing of these structures. Obtaining optimum cross section of embankments in addition to considering stability and construction aspects, using traditional design methods is too time-consuming and almost impossible. In this paper, an ant colony optimization algorithm has been used to solve this complicated problem which is known as one the most important problems in geotechnical engineering. For homogeneous embankment with height of 40m, while it stand on more resistance foundation, usage of berms having suitable number and width and level at cross section of embankment, could decrease embankment volume more than 10 percent in contrast to cross section which has no berm. But for embankment which has height more than 40m, when the height increase then rate of reduction at embankment volume will decrease due to using of berm at cross section. In this case, using of berms at body of embankments usually due to construction aspects.