The purpose of this paper is to show an application of the maximum entropy formalism to the shape optimization of dams subject to seismic loading. The structural system is discretized by the finite element method. The dynamic response analysis is computed by modal analysis or step by step integration procedures. Emphasis is placed on the derivation of the sensitivity analysis equations done by the analytic method and based on the dynamic analysis procedure to be employed. The earthquake response includes dam-reservoir and dam-foundation interactions. The shape optimization of a concrete gravity dam is posed as a multiobjective optimization with goals of minimum volume of concrete, stresses and maximum safety against overturning and sliding. By using the maximum entropy formalism it is shown that a Pareto solution may be found indirectly by the unconstrained optimization of a scalar function. The validity and effectiveness of the proposed technique is examined by means of a concrete gravity dam.

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