Form-finding framework for monocoque sandwich composite bridges: An optimisation tool for the preliminary design of bridges

FRP is increasingly utilised in the built environment, following successful implementations in the aerospace and marine industry. However, it exhibits poor stiffness and stability compared to conventional materials such as steel, making it challenging to satisfy serviceability and comfort requirements. Optimising FRP to address these challenges...

Towards a Sustainable Bridge Design: With the support of optimisation processes and decision making systems

This research aimed to design a new bridge for the city of Rome, Italy, through the support of modern optimisation and decision-making processes that can be implemented to make informed choices regarding aesthetic performance, structural firmness, and environmental impact. The bridge’s design was carried forward considering the city’s plans for...

Topologically Optimised Cast Glass Shell: Topological optimisation and new fabrication methods for compressive free-form glass structures

Glass is a material which can be seen as a double-edged sword. Its monolithic, smooth, and transparent look transmits a sense of elegance and simplicity. However, due to its brittle mechanical property, it can create complex engineering challenges when intended for a structural load-bearing application. Many forget glass has a comparable...

Optimisation of complex geometry buildings based on wind load analysis

One result of climate change is the increasing strength and frequency of wind events. This creates a problem for the also increasing number of high-rise buildings many of which are of unconventional shape. However, current methods for calculating wind response either do not account for these geometries, such as the Eurocode or are prohibitively...

Green-linking Rotterdam Zuid

This research is aimed at the necessity and the design of a new city bridge in the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and how green could be implemented in such a structure. Through analysis of issues regarding the connection of Rotterdam Zuid over the Nieuwe Maas, the city’s plans and ambitions, precedent bridge designs and different...

Breaking Barriers: A parametrically optimised bridge design crossing the Nieuwe Maas

This research is aimed at the necessity and the design of a new city bridge in the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and how this design could be parametrically optimised using the modern digital tools that are available. Through analysis of the issues regarding the connection of Rotterdam South over the Nieuwe Maas, the city’s plans and...