CO2 and cost optimization of reinforced concrete footings subjected to uniaxial uplift

• Design optimization of uniaxial loaded reinforced concrete spread footings.
• Modified Big Bang–Big Crunch multi-objective optimization.
• Minimize cost and CO2 emissions associated with construction.
• Both structural and geotechnical limit states are consider in the design.
• Improved efficiency of design solution along Pareto front.

A multi-objective optimization of CO2 emissions and cost for the design of reinforced concrete footings under uniaxial bending moments is developed. The analysis and design procedures are based on specifications prescribed by the American Concrete Institute (ACI 318-11) for concrete design as well as geotechnical limit states. In addition, a theoretical analysis procedure for reinforced concrete footings subjected to uniaxial uplift is derived and compared to simplified analysis procedures typically used in practice. The multi-objective optimization uses a hybrid Big Bang–Big Crunch algorithm. Pareto fronts for cost and CO2 emissions are developed for design examples to compare the theoretical analysis to simplified analysis and investigate trade-offs between CO2 emissions and cost. Also, design results show the impact on CO2 emissions and cost by allowing uplift of the footing.