The determination of optimal design plan of the Sha-He aqueduct

In this paper, Genetic Algorithms (GA) is adopted as the global searching methods, and the direct search method of mixed discrete variables as the local searching method. Then the GA is improved and the hybrid GA (HGA) is formed. Based on the HGA, the optimal design programs for aqueduct are developed, and used to optimize the Sha-He aqueduct. Four aqueduct design plans are obtained: 2-line double U-sectioned, 2-line U-sectioned, 2-line double Rectangle-sectioned, 2-line Rectangle-sectioned. Finally the 2-line double U-sectioned aqueduct is chosen as the best design. Optimization results show that U-sectioned aqueduct is superior to Rectangle-sectioned aqueduct in economic and safety aspects, and GA is an effective optimal design method worth of application and dissemination.