CONTINUUM TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZATION FOR CONCEPT DESIGN OF FRAME BRACING SYSTEMS

Discrete ground structure topology optimization design methods have to date received considerable attention in structural engineering. An al ternative class of structural topology optimization methods, which hav e not yet received much attention in structural engineering, but which have undergone considerable development in the past decade, are the s o-called continuum formulations. in this work, a continuum structural topology optimization formulation is presented and applied to the conc ept design optimization of structural bracing systems that are needed to stiffen tall structures against sidesway under lateral-wind and sei smic-type loading. Although demonstrated here in the context of these specific design examples, continuum structural topology optimization m ethods are believed to hold potential as a design tool for a wide rang e of civil engineering type structures. A variety of continuum topolog y design formulations, including static compliance minimization and ei genvalue optimization, are explored, and solution parameters are varie d to show that a number of design possibilities can be realized as sol utions.