Bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization for strut-and-tie modelling of three-dimensional structural concrete. Issue 12 (2nd December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shobeiri, Vahid; Ahmadi-Nedushan, Behrouz
• Is Part Of: Engineering optimization. Volume 49:Issue 12(2017)
• Page Start: 2055
• Page End: 2078
• Publication Date: 2017-12-02
• Subjects: 3D structural concrete -- strut-and-tie models -- bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Mathematical optimization -- Periodicals; 620.0042
• DOI: 10.1080/0305215X.2017.1292382
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-215X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article presents a method for the automatic generation of optimal strut-and-tie models in reinforced concrete structures using a bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization method. The methodology presented is developed for compliance minimization relying on the Abaqus finite element software package. The proposed approach deals with the generation of truss-like designs in a three-dimensional environment, addressing the design of corbels and joints as well as bridge piers and pile caps. Several three-dimensional examples are provided to show the capabilities of the proposed framework in finding optimal strut-and-tie models in reinforced concrete structures and verifying its efficiency to cope with torsional actions. Several issues relating to the use of the topology optimization for strut-and-tie modelling of structural concrete, such as chequerboard patterns, mesh-dependency and multiple load cases, are studied. In the last example, a design procedure for detailing and dimensioning of the strut-and-tie models is given according to the American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318-08 provisions.