Optimal design of fabric formed concrete beams

Abstract

The topic of fabric formwork has emerged as a response to the rising need for material efficient designs that also incorporate attractive aesthetic and construction related features. The thesis approaches the topic of the optimization of the design of fabric formed concrete beams. The thesis proposes two methods: an analytical optimization method and a feasible region method. The optimum design of fabric formed reinforced concrete beams is discussed first and a sample output of the optimum design based on minimizing the cost of a cross-section is produced. A relatively direct design process based on simple polynomials is established that can conveniently guide designers to produce optimal designs. Based on sample results, savings of up to 55% in material cost could be accomplished using fabric formed beams. The subject of pre-stressed fabric formed beams is then approached using the two methods. Certain additional complexities are explained and some simplifications are done in order to arrive at an optimum design using the feasible region method.