Generative design of structural frame joints
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Application of topology optimisation as an advanced engineering tool can be extended advantageously in exploring design solutions for structures aimed to be fabricated through Additive Manufacturing (AM). While the conventional engineering approach towards the design and fabrication of structural joints offers limited opportunities for enhancement of their primary characteristics, such as strength, stiffness and ductility, topology optimisation can allow engineers to explore solutions of higher structural efficiency with the same material quantity. This study explores the capabilities of combining structural topology optimisation and additive manufacturing in the advanced design of structural frame joints with superior structural characteristics. An augmented framework of the Bi-directional Evolutionary Structural Optimisation (BESO) scheme based on discrete design variables is adopted to deliver optimised solutions for the connections. It is shown that integrating the material and geometric non-linearities into the optimisation process, enhances the structural performance of joints in terms of strength and ductility. Hence, as distinct from the common assumption of a linear structural response, in the optimisation of steel structural components for ultimate limit state design, the optimisation should account for geometric and material non-linearities. Furthermore, the adoption of optimised joints in frame structures is shown to reduce deflections and decrease design actions in the connecting beam members which results in more economic designs.
Source: Thin-Walled Structures
Institution: The University of Sydney
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,440
Funder: Australian Research Council
OpenAlex ID: W4412048393