Optimization of pavement design using a genetic algorithm

The design of road pavements is an engineering problem with a number of required design inputs. Although many analytical methods are in use, the existing methods do not explicitly include optimization processes whereby the design of pavement may be linked to criteria and associated objectives different from the conventional engineering-driven ones. This paper presents a prototype system that demonstrates how an analytical pavement design procedure can be optimized using a genetic algorithm. The approach considered is flexible as it can be used to optimize any computerized pavement design method. In addition, the results obtained from the system are comparable with those derived from a well known method. It is felt therefore that this exemplar prototype system may be further developed to cater for any type of road pavements and to include more complex optimization procedures.