Optimization of pile and slab arrangement in dry docks using the index parameter method

摘要

The development in marine transportation industry in the world and especially in Iran has enforced use of big vessels due to its cost effectiveness. Construction of large vessels requires high-draught dry docks and these docks have a considerable uplift force at the bottom generally controlled by anchor piles. On the other hand, heavy loads caused by the vessel's weight apply a great compression force on these piles. Furthermore, distribution of loads applied between the piles and slabs is a function of slab stiffness and pile stiffness. Market price fluctuations in different time periods in the world enforce us, for cost effectiveness sake, to create a highly flexible model to enable us for changing of design at any time. In this paper, this model is created and optimized using an innovative method named "the index parameter method", and the results' validity are investigated.