Estimation of optimal area and volume for double arch-dams

Abstract

This research is focused on the optimum area and volume estimation of double arch dams. The first stage of the methodology refers to defining issues about Bayesian estimators to obtain the value for designing the optimum dam shape. After that, the shape equations are iterated step-bystep to obtain the optimal solution. From the inventory of existing dams, it is possible to extract many important values although they are not sufficient. To obtain the non-available data, the Gaussian distribution under the Bayesian theorem hypotheses has been employed. This theorem converts the prior distribution using unknown parameters into the posterior distribution which provides expected estimators. The choice of the dam shape is strongly based on the experience, therefore by knowing and applying real information of existing dams it is possible to carry out a more precise analysis.