Structural topology optimisation of long-span structures (Helping architects weigh their options)

在这个研究项目中提出的方法的力量可以通过一系列的研究来发挥作用，这些研究主要集中在大跨度建筑和结构上，比如考古遗址、机场航站楼、音乐厅和公交车站的屋顶。这样的结构形式提出了一个特殊的建模挑战：它们通常有巨大的开放空间，形状不寻常，内部柱很少，因此它们依靠三角形空间桁架和框架系统共同支撑建筑的负荷。在设计过程的早期使用计算机模拟-当确定建筑物的份额时-也可以对隐含能量产生重大影响。仔细选择结构的几何形状和布局可以减少内力，减少支撑所需的能源密集型结构材料的数量。本研究将试图找到一种有效的方案来优化形状和构件刚度分布，以创建一个具有更高屈曲强度的空间结构，而不是仅仅通过形状优化和自由形式寻找过程创建的空间结构。在垂直均匀分布载荷或静态地震载荷下，目标的几何特性将被优化，以最大化其线性屈曲载荷。优化网壳的屈曲行为也将通过弹性和弹塑性屈曲分析进行检验。结构拓扑（材料）优化研究将使用Altair的Hyperworks进行，静态/动态分析将使用非线性有限元程序（ANSYS）进行。制造结构材料和部件所需的初始能源以及未来的运行能源都将被量化和比较，以用于节能建筑的设计。

The power of the approach proposed in this research project can be exercised performing a series of studies focusing on long-span buildings and structures such as roofs for archaeological sites, airport terminals, concert halls, and bus stations. Such structural forms pose a special modelling challenge: they often have large open spaces with unusual shapes and few interior columns, so they rely on systems of triangular space trusses and frames working together to support the load of the building. The use of computer simulation early in the design process - when the share of the building in determined - can have a major impact on embodied energy as well. Careful choice of the geometry and layout of the structure can reduce internal forces and decrease the amount of energy-intensive structural materials required for support.This study will attempt to find an efficient scheme for the optimisation of both shape and member stiffness distributions in order to create a spatial structure with a higher buckling strength that then one created by just the shape optimisation and free-form finding processes. The geometric characteristics will be optimised for a target to maximise their linear buckling load for a vertical uniformly distributed load or a static seismic load. The buckling behaviour of the optimum reticulated shells will be also examined through elastic and elasto-plastic buckling analyses. Structural topology (material) optimisation studies will be performed using Altair's Hyperworks and static/dynamic analyses will be performed using the nonlinear Finite Element programme (ANSYS). Both the initial energy required for making structural materials and components as well as the future operational energy will be quantified and compared for the design of energy-efficient buildings.