Parallel global optimization of foundation schemes in civil engineering

Abstract

The important problem in civil engineering is obtaining optimal pile placement schemes for grillage-type foundations. The standard technique for solution of problem is application of local optimization methods, starting from initial guess obtained by means of engineering heuristics. We propose a new technology based on the use of global optimization algorithms, which are implemented as the “black-boxes”. In the real world applications the problems of interest involve till 500 design parameters. Therefore such problems can not be solved using one processor due to the huge CPU and computer memory requirements. We propose a parallel version of global optimization algorithm. The results of computational experiments for a number of practical problems are presented. Efficiency of suggested parallel algorithms is investigated and results for different clusters of workstations are presented.