APPLICATIONS OF TOPOLOGY OPTIMISATION IN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

Abstract

This study introduces applications of structural topology optimisation to buildings and civil engineering structures. Topology optimisation problems utilize the firmest mathematical basis, to account for improved weight-to-stiffness ratio and perceived aesthetic appeal of specific structural forms, enabling the solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) technique. Structural topology optimisation is a technique for finding the boundary conditions. Aerospace and automotive engineers routinely employ topology optimisation and have reported significant structural performance gains as a result. Recently designers of buildings and structures have also started investigating the use of topology optimisation, for the design of efficient and aesthetically pleasing developments. This paper examines two examples of where topology optimisation may be a useful design tool in civil/structural engineering in order to overcome the frontiers between civil engineers and engineers from other disciplines. The first example presents the optimised structural design of a geometrically complex high-rise structure and the optimal design of its architectural building shape. The second one focuses on the optimisation and design of a perforated steel I-section beam, since such structural members are widely used nowadays in the vast majority of steel buildings and structures while they provide numerous of advances. Conclusions are drawn regarding the potential benefits to the more widespread implementation of topology optimisation within the civil/structural engineering industry.