Topologically optimized structural glass megaliths

Potential, challenges and guidelines for stretching the mass limits of structural cast glass

Conference Paper (2022)
Author(s)

F Oikonomopoulou (TU Delft - Structural Design & Mechanics)

Anna Maria Koniari (Student TU Delft)

J.T.W. Damen (TU Delft - Structural Design & Mechanics)

D. Koopman (TU Delft - Materials and Environment)

M.I. Stefanaki (Student TU Delft)

T. Bristogianni (TU Delft - Applied Mechanics)

Research Group
Structural Design & Mechanics
Copyright
© 2022 F. Oikonomopoulou, A.M. Koniari, J.T.W. Damen, D. Koopman, M.I. Stefanaki, T. Bristogianni
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003348443-134
More Info
expand_more
Publication Year
2022
Language
English
Copyright
© 2022 F. Oikonomopoulou, A.M. Koniari, J.T.W. Damen, D. Koopman, M.I. Stefanaki, T. Bristogianni
Research Group
Structural Design & Mechanics
Volume number
1
Pages (from-to)
818-824
ISBN (print)
9781003348443
Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Abstract

This paper introduces the use of structural topology optimization (TO) as a new design approach that enables the creation of monolithic load-bearing cast glass components of substantial dimensions with significantly reduced annealing times, rendering such components viable in terms of manufacturing. Using topology optimization, the glass mass can be optimized to match design loads whilst maintaining high stiffness and a homogeneous mass for even cooling. Initially, the two main TO approaches are discussed in terms of suitability for cast glass. A strain-based optimization is eventually preferred over Von Mises optimization in the specific study. To explore the potential of TO for optimizing structural cast glass components, three distinct studies are analyzed in ANSYS workbench: (i) a structural glass node, (ii) a cast glass floor and (iii) a pedestrian bridge. These lead to the establishment of a set of design/input criteria, taking into account glass as a material, casting as a manufacturing method, addressing also the safety of the structure. The design studies also reveal the inherent challenges of using TO for load-bearing glass components, which, in turn, lead to the establishment of design guidelines for developing a TO tool specifically for glass. Towards the real-life applicability of such complex-shaped, customized components, possible manufacturing methods are also discussed.

Files

Topologically_optimized_struct... (pdf)
(pdf | 0.835 Mb)
- Embargo expired in 01-07-2023
License info not available