Developing Sustainable Concrete Structures with Topology Optimization and the Generative Tie Method

• Grant number: 25/01810-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Luís Antônio Guimarães Bitencourt Júnior
• Grantee: Rodrigo Reis Amaral
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Designing structures often relies on the experience of engineers, involving an iterative process to achieve a balance between cost-effectiveness, durability, and reliability and to fulfill the required specifications. In this context, this study intends to explore a novel multi-material topology optimization approach (concrete, steel, and voids) for reinforced concrete structures with D regions. The methodology adopts a two-step approach. The first step minimizes the structure's compliance to reduce weight within a given material reliability index constraint. Regarding the second step, the Generative Tie Method (GTM) is adopted to iteratively determine the reinforcement layout through the performance indices obtained from the global stress levels on the structure. Here, the GTM algorithm performs a nonlinear analysis to ensure that the structural component meets the design requirements by improving the numerical model either by adjusting the rebar location or inserting new rebars within the computational design domain. This analysis evaluates the crack pattern, stress distribution, and the yielding of the reinforcement up to the ultimate load of the structure. The outcomes are expected to demonstrate lightweight designs that meet the required structural performance standards. (AU)