Optimum Reduction of Flexural Effect of Axially Symmetric Cylindrical Walls with Post-tensioning Forces

Abstract

Post-tensioning of axially symmetric cylindrical walls has been used to prevent cracking and serviceability failures. In the case of axially symmetric cylindrical walls used for storing water, post-tensioning improves impermeability by reducing the tension loads generated by fluid loads. However; achieving these improvements in axially symmetric cylindrical walls requires determination of a suitable design for post-tensioning loads. By optimizing the locations and intensities of the post-tensioning loads, the effects on axially symmetric cylindrical walls can be minimized. In this study, four metaheuristic algorithms such as harmony search (HS), flower pollination algorithm, bat algorithm and teaching-learning based optimization are investigated for optimum design of posttension forces on axially symmetric cylindrical walls. The design involves the location and intensity of the post-tensioning cables. In the optimization process, analyses of cylindrical walls are conducted by a developed module using the superposition method (SPM). According to the analyses results, the optimization methods investigated are effective in reducing maximum longitudinal moments on cylindrical walls, but major difference in performance of the methods are seen.