Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Using topology optimization technique to determine the optimized layout of steel reinforcing bars in concrete structures

Li, Mengxiao; Zhang, Hexin; Wong, Simon H F

Authors

Mengxiao Li

Simon H F Wong



Contributors

Jos� Herskovits
Editor

Abstract

This study presents an optimization procedure based on the modified Bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) approach to optimize both location and orientation of discrete reinforcing steel bars within concrete structures, while satisfying the prescribed realistic volumetric ratio of steel amount into the continuum concrete. Opposed to the strut-and-tie model (STM) mechanism, both tension and compression are taken into account in reinforcing bars. The optimization variables are only applicable to steel reinforcements that are modelled as discrete truss bars embedded into a concrete domain. The flexible orientation of each reinforcing bar is achieved by employing a heuristic orientation finding scheme according to principal strain direction into a two-dimensional (2D) BESO algorithm. Also, apart from ranking the sensitivity number of each reinforcing bar, an update scheme for design variables is developed due to the asymmetric property of concrete in tension and compression. The capability of the proposed optimization method is shown through two cases. It can be concluded that the proposed method obtains a rational reinforcement layout under a volume constraint on steel used in reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Reinforcing bars playing high contribution to the structural behavior are remained within a constant concrete domain, which provides a valuable suggestion for the distribution of steel reinforcements.

Citation

Li, M., Zhang, H., & Wong, S. H. F. (2016, June). Using topology optimization technique to determine the optimized layout of steel reinforcing bars in concrete structures. Presented at 5th International Conference on Engineering Optimization

Presentation Conference Type Conference Paper (Published)
Conference Name 5th International Conference on Engineering Optimization
Start Date Jun 19, 2016
End Date Jun 23, 2016
Acceptance Date Jan 4, 2016
Online Publication Date Jun 19, 2016
Publication Date Jun 19, 2016
Deposit Date Apr 26, 2017
Publicly Available Date May 2, 2017
Pages 789-798
Book Title Proceedings of 5th International Conference on Engineering Optimization
Chapter Number 1
ISBN 978-85-7650-548-8
Keywords Reinforced concrete structures, BESO topology optimization, discrete reinforcing bar, heuristic orientation scheme, update scheme
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/833304
Contract Date Apr 26, 2017

Files

Using topology optimization technique to determine the optimized layout of steel reinforcing bars in concrete structures (758 Kb)
PDF








You might also like



Downloadable Citations