Multivariate optimisation of key factors for construction operations

This paper presents a methodology for simultaneous optimisation taking into account the key factors for earth retaining structures design, using a real-world case study. These are safety factor, overall cost, total displacements and steel tension. The possible values of the design variables are discrete and its applications often depend on the engineers’ experience, the geotechnical investigation outcome and site accessibility. These variables are chosen based on the ground morphology and on the steel section and temporary prestressed anchors properties. The approach for this simultaneous optimisation of the critical design characteristics of the ‘Berlinoise’ retaining project is based on the desirability analysis – a proven statistical methodology. The presented work was supplemented with the use of finite element analysis. Via this methodology, engineers accurately predict the needed design characteristics, for a robust and financially beneficial study, as long as the input data are properly defined and the design variables values wisely selected.