Abstract: An optimal design method combining the system simulation technology and the multi-object decision technology, which can be used for optimum design of piled rafts, is presented. The objective function for the optimization is defined as the volume of materials of piled rafts, while the variables are raft thickness, pile length, pile spacing and pile location. First using orthogonal test to optimize system input scheme, then applying 3DFEM to calculate system output, at last the multi-object decision technology is adopted to evaluate output and acquire optimal solution. The validity and effectiveness of the proposed method is examined by a numerical example.

Key words: piled rafts, optimal design, simulation technology, multi-object decision technology