Optimum design for unbonded posttensioned precast split shear wall system using genetic algorithm.

Summary: Precast concrete structures are increasingly being adopted by building designers in regions of high seismicity. An unbonded posttensioned (PT) precast split shear wall system (UPPSSW) was proposed by the Precast Seismic Structural Systems (PRESSS). The UPPSSW system is composed of two or more single precast concrete wall panels that are connected together with energy‐dissipating shear connectors and anchored to the foundation with unbonded PT tendons located at the panel center. In this paper, an optimum design program has been developed for designing this system. The objective of the optimum process is to find the optimum combination between PT tendons and shear connectors while keeping the moment capacity of the wall equal to the applied design moment and achieving zero residual drift simultaneously. In addition, MATLAB was employed to explore an optimization program using genetic algorithm. Compared with the existing design methods for the system, the optimum design program proposed in this research is accurate, efficient, and direct. Moreover, it can yield the optimum design automatically and quickly. As a result, the existing lengthy and manual design process of trial and error for the system can be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]