An integrated multi-objective optimization of earthfill dam design using monte carlo method: a case study of Azad Dam

One of the most critical issues in the analysis and design of earthfill dams is seepage control. This phenomenon is influenced by key parameters such as material properties, drainage design, and the geometry of the clay core. The purpose of this research is to optimize the design of the dam's drainage system and core to maximize performance while minimizing cost. By developing an integrated hydraulic simulation-optimization model that directly couples both processes (eliminating the need for intermediate methods), the precision of the optimization process is significantly improved. Using COMSOL Multiphysics software, an integrated model of the Azad Dam (in western Iran) was analyzed. The optimized model, developed using the Monte Carlo method, yielded the following improvements: ۱۴.۵% reduction in crest width, ۳.۲% steeper slope angle for inclined drainage, ۱۶.۶% thinner inclined drainage layer, ۱۸.۵% reduction in horizontal drainage thickness, ۳.۹% longer horizontal drainage length, and ۲۵.۶% smaller clay core volume. Finally, slope stability analysis was performed using Geo-Slope software. The minimum factors of safety for the downstream slope, calculated using the Bishop, Janbu, and Morgenstern-Price methods, were ۱.۸۶۴, ۱.۷۹۵, and ۱.۸۶۴, respectively.

کلیدواژه ها:

Earthfill dam ، Seepage control ، Integrated hydraulic modeling ، Monte Carlo simulation ، Multi-objective optimization