Application of Structural Topology Optimization to the Design of a UHPC Staircase
Isabel M. de Oliveira1; Ruy M. O. Pauletti1; Arthur H. Lara2
1 Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo; 2 Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism of the University of São Paulo
doi:10.20906/CPS/CILAMCE2017-0543
Resumo
This paper presents an application of structural topology optimization to the shape finding of an ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) staircase. In this project, the optimized geometry is used as an inspiration for a final parametric model, seeking minimization of different formwork and reduction of production costs. Therefore, the steps should have the same form, and the only different component should be the intermediate landing. Additional aims are the least amount of supports and the slenderest cross-section as possible. Selection of UHPC enables the definition of unusual geometries, that would be unfeasible with regular reinforced concrete. After the definition of the base geometry in the software, a first topology optimization is performed. Afterwards, the results are analyzed, the remaining parts are modeled with a smooth geometry, and the resulting geometry is simulated for stress analysis and adjusted until they meet design criteria.
Palavras-chave: Structural analysis; Finite element method; Topology optimization; UHPC staircase design