Automatic Position Information of Web-Openings of Building Using Minimized Strain Energy Topology Optimization

Abstract

This study presents a new engineering practice and idea that material topology optimization results may be utilized to optimally decide the positions of web-openings of structural members in a building structure. Material topology optimization utilizes element densities as design parameters, that is, nominal constructional material, and then optimal material distributions of densities between voids (0) and solids (1) in a given design domain represent the determination of topology and shape. That means that regions with element density values become occupied by solids in a design domain, while there are only void phases in regions where no density values exist. Therefore, the void regions of topology optimization results may provide design information that decides appropriate depositions of web-opening in structure. Numerical examples demonstrate the efficiency of the present methodological design information using optimization techniques to automatically resolve the building design of proper deposition of web-openings.