Numerical Analysis of Human-Informed Topology Optimized Lateral-Load-Resisting Systems of Tall Buildings under Seismic Excitation

Abstract

In the construction industry, structural, architectural, and environmental considerations can often be at odds with each other, leading to inefficient structures and, consequently, material waste. Topology optimization has shown promise as one potential solution to this problem, offering designs that are both structurally efficient and aesthetically interesting. However, topology-optimized designs are often difficult to manufacture or do not take into consideration other aspects that are crucial in the construction industry. Human-informed topology optimization, or HiTop, is a previously-developed algorithm that allows users to edit areas of interest, providing a computationally-efficient solution to address concerns with the designs. This paper uses MATLAB to apply HiTop to the design of the lateral-load-resisting systems of tall buildings, comparing results to those of three other designs: a “human” design with standard cross bracing, a optimized design using classical topology optimization, and a previously-developed algorithm which optimizes designs under a sum of modal compliances formulation, similar to how structures are analyzed in seismic codes. The designs are evaluated quantitatively, comparing natural periods, modal displacements, sum of modal compliances using modal decomposition, as well as computation time. They are also evaluated qualitatively, as HiTop is used to modify designs to improve constructability and aesthetics. The HiTop algorithm successfully created manufacturable, aesthetic designs in line with the user’s goals across a range of H/B ratios within a brief time frame. HiTop designs also performed similarly to the classically optimized designs, indicating that modifications to an optimized design to improve manufacturability, aesthetics, or other potential goals of a user do not significantly decrease structural performance under seismic loading.