Truss topology optimization of steel-timber structures for embodied carbon objectives

Topology optimization in structural design is still a relatively new tool. Most existing research on truss and frame structures focuses on single material applications, and the developments of ground structure-based topology optimization in multi-material structures are limited. This research presents a truss topology optimization algorithm that designs with a mix of glue-laminated timber (GLT) and steel elements. The motivation behind allowing the choice of both these materials is to utilize the strengths of each material in both tension and compression. In addition, this work seeks to include environmental consideration, by incorporating in the algorithm that timber has a smaller embodied carbon coefficient (ECC) compared to steel. This work uses the ground structure approach to truss topology optimization and designs are generated and compared using (i) a minimum compliance and (ii) a stress-constrained algorithm.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Ching, Ho Yin Ernest.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Josephine V. Carstensen.

• Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• MIT theses may be protected by copyright. Please reuse MIT thesis content according to the MIT Libraries Permissions Policy, which is available through the URL provided.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/127282

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/127282