Optimization of Earth Wall Stabilization with Steel Strips Using MVO Algorithm

Soil stabilization as a relatively inexpensive method improves the stability of soil retaining walls and slopes via tensile stress mobilized in reinforcing elements. In this study, to present the most economical design of mechanically stabilized earth wall (MSEW) with metal strip considering the safety factors, the simulation model of the wall behavior was associated with an optimization algorithm. In the current research, using Multi-Verse Optimizer (MVO) together with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) design method, construction cost of MSEW with metal strip was optimized. It is found that using this method, construction costs of a short wall can be reduced up to 22 percent and those of a taller wall can be reduced up to 8 percent in contrast to FHWA method. In addition, sensitivity analysis indicated that the total construction cost of the wall is mostly affected by the cost of metal elements in comparison with soil backfilling costs such that by increasing the metal elements and soil backfilling costs to 5 times more, the wall construction cost increases to about 4.5 and 1.5 times more, respectively. Also, at the end, the tendency of the total cost to the variations of different decision variables such as vertical and horizontal spacing, length, width and thickness of reinforcing elements was evaluated.