3rd International Conference on Advances in Mechanical Engineering (ICAME 2020) IOP Publishing

IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 912 (2020) 062012 doi:10.1088/1757-899X/912/6/062012

Comparative Review of Structural Optimization Approaches

on Rectangular Concrete Beams

Junaid Nabi1 and Abdul Rahim A1*

*
Associate Professor, Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Vellore
Institute of Technology, Vellore, India

E-mail: abdulrahim.a@vit.ac.in

Abstract. 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.

1.Introduction
Robert Hook ascertained that a hanging cable, if inverted and stiffened results in an equivalent arch.
Naturally hanging cable is a pure tensile structure and the equivalent arch is a pure compression
structure. These two structures are in equilibrium and are mirror equivalents of each other. These two
mechanisms are often used in the design of bridges. Arch mechanism is used in Arch bridges and cable
mechanism is used in suspension bridges. Hence its very essential to investigate these two approaches.
These two mechanisms used to structurally optimize beam structures. Concrete being a quasi-brittle
material is prone to abrupt failures and local defects due to its non homogeneous nature. This gives
rise to the need of assessment of concrete structures using damage models [1][2][3][4][5]. The main
objective of this research is review the structural response and feasibility of these two approaches at
various configuration . In this study concrete damage plasticity was introduced in the design space
(regular prismatic beam) before the optimization process. Moreover a comparative analysis of the two
approaches was conducted and recommendations after various considerations were presented.

2.Structural Optimization
A brief introduction on the research and development of structural optimization is presented in this
section. Structural optimization is classified into three types namely size, shape and topology
optimization [6]. In context with the theme of this investigation topology optimization [7][8][9] will be

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Pro103

Topology Optimization of Concrete Structural Elements and

Manufacturability by Fabric Formwork

Author(s): Junaid Nabi and S.Elavenil

Paper category: Proceeding
Book title: International Conference on Advances in Civil Engineering and Sustainable
Construction
Editor(s): T.Ch. Madhavi, G. Prabhakar, Santhosh Ram, and P.M. Rameshwaran
Print-ISBN: None
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-161-2
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2016
Pages: 69-74
Total Pages : 6
Language : English

Abstract: This research deals with the Topology Opitmization of structural Elements and their
manufacturability with fabric formwork. It mainly deals with Topology Optimization with
Minimization of strain energy as objective function with volume constraint. Keeping various

https://www.rilem.net/publication/publication/479?id_papier=10981 Page 1 of 2
 Recent Advancements in Chemical, Energy and Environmental Engineering (RACEEE 2020)

CO2 Emission Reductions as a Result of Topology

Optimization in Concrete Structural Elements

Junaid Nabi1, Abdul Rahim A2*

1,2Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India

Abstract: Carbon emission is a huge problem and concrete structures contribute to this significantly.
Hence its essential to minimize the use of concrete which can be achieved through Topology
optimization. Topology optimization of concrete structural elements, such as simply supported beam,
overhanged beam and stub column, using SIMP Algorithm was conducted. The initial shape of the
structural elements was taken as design space. Different configuration of each structural element
were obtained by varying optimizing parameters. Obtained Topologies were converted to shell
geometries for volumetric assessment. Carbon emission were evaluated for every configuration of
each optimized structural element using the volume reductions achieved through optimization.
Comparative analysis with reference design space was conducted. Considering manufacturing
feasibility, volume reduction, Co2 emission reduction and qualitative structural response the
optimum configuration for each design space was determined.

Keywords: Carbon Dioxide Emissions; Topology Optimization; Concrete ; Structural Element.

Introduction efficacy of the optimized forms. Factors such as

qualitative structural assessment, co2 emission
Operational and Embodied energy are the two main evaluation and manufacturability are utilized to
contributors to carbon emissions in the infrastructure determine the most practical and efficient form for
construction [1]. Due to technological advancements the structural elements.
in the efficacy of construction process, operational
energy has gradually been reducing for decades to a Topology Optimization
point where embodied energy is the main source of
carbon emission[2]. This establishes the premise of Design Space
reducing the volume of material used in the
infrastructure. This can be achieved though
optimization processes where volume is reduced and
efficiency is increased. Topology optimization is one
of the method which tackles this problem [3].
However construction of these optimized structures
at large scales is difficult as the topology of these
structures is complex, which demands novel methods
for manufacturing [4].

In this investigation Optimized geometries of various

structural elements (simply supported beam (SS),
over-hanged beam (OH), stub-column (SC))
previously investigated by Nabi J. [5] are used as
Figure 1. Design Space and Boundary Conditions.
they constitute most of the structures. The topologies
are converted to shell structures for volumetric
In this research three types of structural elements,
evaluation. Assuming various parameters with
Simply supported (SS), over-hanged (OH) and Stub
reference to the literature [6] , carbon emissions
Columns (SC)are taken as design space for
based on the volume reduction is assessed. A
optimization process, as they form the building
Different approach was followed in this article to
blocks of all structures. Slabs were avoided because
assess the manufacturability and the structural
of their complex behavior, both in optimization and