Exploring optimal pile geometries

The construction sector is one of the main contributors to the current environmental crisis and the increasing carbon emissions [1]. There exists a considerable body of literature addressing optimising the embodied carbon of superstructures, however, there has only been limited attention given to the substructure part [2]. This research focuses on optimising the embodied carbon of deep foundations by introducing a novel genetic algorithm tool. The model is used to optimise the design of solid concrete piles, and then compare the embodied carbon resulting from different pile geometries. Finally, the embodied carbon of three different construction materials; concrete, steel and timber are compared to assess the potential carbon saving for future projects.