Topology Optimization with Stress Constraints

This thesis contains contributions to the development of topology optimization techniques capable of handling stress constraints. The research that led to these contributions was motivated by the need for topology optimization techniques more suitable for industrial applications. Currently, topology optimization is mainly used in the initial...

Topology Optimization of Masonry Structures

Designing structures that are more sustainable is a relevant topic within the construction industry. By choosing materials that have a low embodied energy value and optimizing the structures that can be constructed by these materials, one could potentially minimize the economical and environmental footprint of a structural design.<br/><br/>As...

Deep Generative Designs: A Deep Learning Framework for Optimized Shell Structures

In an urban context that needs to be constantly adapted to global crises, population movements, climate change and economic crises, designers and engineers strive to configure solutions that respond to multiple criteria. Within this framework, the concept of generative design is gaining more and more ground in the construction field, allowing...

Hybrid truss layout optimization for generating multiple design alternatives

As of writing this thesis little research has been done in truss layout optimization for multiple design alternatives. A hybrid scheme is proposed in which the fast gradient-based search of the Ground Structure Method (GSM) is employed for the search of optimal topology and size, while a population-based meta-heuristic algorithm explores the non...

Structural Optimization of Stiffened Plates: Application on an Orthotropic Steel Bridge Deck

The orthotropic steel deck (OSD) is a deck system applied regularly in steel bridges all around the world. It consists of a steel deck plate which is stiffened by structural elements placed in two orthogonal directions. The deck plate can be used as an integral part of the structure, causing OSDs to achieve a high material efficiency and...

Structural topology optimization of an active motion compensated gangway

In the offshore industry, there is a growing demand for designing efficient, sustainable and competitive products. In order to fulfil the component requirements, a method named topology optimization can be applied. This is a mathematical design method which can be used in the early phases of the design process.At IHC there is an interest of...

Application of Evolutionary Structural Optimization to Reinforced Concrete Structures

The present thesis has the objective to create a procedure for the automatic preliminary design of reinforced concrete structures, based on the Evolutionary Structural Optimization method (ESO). The developed algorithm performs heuristic topology optimization based on multiple criteria, in subsequent optimization cycles executed in series. In...