Three-dimensional topology optimisation in architectural and structural design of concrete structures

p. 1066-1077The present paper proposes the application of topology optimisation software to generate topologically optimised building components in prestressed concrete, and the realisation of optimised shapes via large scale CNC-milling technology. Topology optimisation within architectural design holds a potential for simultaneously reducing material usage and evolving new structural morphologies that challenge the aesthetics of architectural appearance as well as the related production processes. To make topology optimisation useful to the architectural design process, possibilities of different modelling interpretations must be investigated in order to explore new ways of affecting optimisation results to meet both aesthetic requirements and structural constraints. The present paper purposes methods to imbed aesthetic assertions in the optimisation model to influence the evolving topologies in new directions while keeping initial constraints. As aesthetic values cannot reasonably be validated through numerical evaluation, only structural criteria and manufacturing constraints can be directly utilised as an objective for an algorithmic optimisation process. But as the optimisation process itself is a linear result of the optimisation algorithm, aesthetic reflections can be imbedded indirectly by evaluating initial optimisation output and applying adjustments to the model using the presented methods. The application of topology optimisation in architectural design allow for a convergence of engineering and architectural disciplines via a direct and concise dialogue between different approaches to optimisation configuration. Commercially available optimisation software solutions are targeted at the automotive-, aeronautic- and naval industries, and not yet specifically suited to meet demands of the building industry. The presented research proposes methods to model optimisation setup within existing software that meet building related optimisation issues, such as the inclusion of post-tensioning in an optimised concrete volume.Dombernowsky, P.; Søndergaard, A. (2010). Three-dimensional topology optimisation in architectural and structural design of concrete structures. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/696

An integral approach to structural optimization and fabrication

Abstract Integral structural optimization and fabrication seeks the synthesis of two original approaches; that of topological optimization (TO) and robotic hotwire cutting (HWC). TO allows for the reduction of up to 70% of the volume of concrete to support a given structure. A strength of the method is that it allows to come up with structural designs that lie beyond the grasp of traditional means of design. A design space is a discretized volume, delimiting where the optimization will take place. The number of cells used to discretize the design space thus sets the resolution of the TO. While the approach of the application of TO as a constitutive design tool centers on structural aspects in the design phase, the outcome of this process are structures that cannot be realized within a conventional budget. As such the ensuing design is optimal in a narrow sense; whilst optimal structurally though, construction can be prove to be prohibitively expensive. This paper reports ongoing research efforts on the development of a cost effective methodology for the realization of TO concrete structures using HWC