Comparative Review of Structural Optimization Approaches on Rectangular Concrete Beams

Increasing population demands considerable infrastructure, given that embodied energy accounts for most of the carbon emissions of concrete structures, efficient use of materials is of vital importance. This can be achieved through Topology Optimization. In this investigation, a brief review of cable and arch analogy in topology optimization of prismatic concrete design space is presented. Topology Optimization was conducted for a design space with two boundary condition configurations that correspond to the two analogies, Cable and Arch. Concrete damage properties were introduced in the model to find the optimum topology for the corresponding design space. Various topological configuration were obtained for both approaches by varying optimizing parameters. Considering the manufacturing practicality of the form, an optimum topology was chosen from both analogy approaches. A comparative study conducted between the two approaches exhibited the efficacy of cable analogy over arch analogy approach. Comparatively, significant volume reduction was observed in case of arch analogy approach, however manufacturing feasibility, comparatively superior structural response and partially eliminating load-specific behavior, testifies the overall efficacy of cable analogy approach.