TY - JOUR AB - Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to establish the optimization model of designs for sparse distributed pile foundation based on multi‐goals fuzzy optimization theory, to promote the application of the optimization model into project.Design/methodology/approach– In the designing of sparse distributed pile foundation, there are many feasible design schemes, the selection of designs is a decision making of multi‐goals and factors. Owing to uncertain and imprecise environment in which the designing of sparse distributed pile foundation exists, the theories of fuzzy optimization are chosen as mathematical framework to optimize the design schemes.Findings– Since relative optimal degree is used to judge, the optional result of using fuzzy optimization theories in sparse pile foundation design selection is more rational according to a site project.Research limitations/implications– The availability of data and precision of index weight selection are the main limitations as to which model will be applied.Practical implications– A very useful optimal method for the sparse pile foundation design selection.Originality/value– The new approach of optimal selection for sparse pile foundation design due to fuzzy optimization theories. VL - 38 IS - 10 SN - 0368-492X DO - 10.1108/03684920910994358 UR - https://doi.org/10.1108/03684920910994358 AU - Lijuan Zhang AU - Zhangming Li ED - Mian‐yun Chen ED - Yi Lin ED - Hejing Xiong PY - 2009 Y1 - 2009/01/01 TI - Optimal selection of design schemes for a sparse distributed pile foundation based on fuzzy optimization theory T2 - Kybernetes PB - Emerald Group Publishing Limited SP - 1828 EP - 1834 Y2 - 2024/04/24 ER -