Sustainable Design of Steel Frames Based on Topological Optimization Considering Geometrical and Material Nonlinearities

This research introduces a sustainable approach to designing steel frames, specifically focusing on the topological optimization of I-beam webs. The proposed methodology incorporates the plastic behavior of structural steel and considers geometric nonlinearity. The primary objective of the study is to provide an environmentally sustainable design that achieves maximum material efficiency. To accomplish this goal, the bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) approach is employed. Four different beam-column setups, each featuring various beam web formations, were validated according to previous experimental tests. Based on the results, topology optimization was conducted, considering the volume fraction corresponding to the different web openings. Subsequently, the structural behavior in terms of stress intensity of the optimized and conventional configurations was compared. Subsequently, during the final stage, the volume fraction was reduced to 60%, and the performance of the resulting setup was examined. The results of this research demonstrate the efficiency of topology optimization and suggest that this technique has the potential to reduce the material quantity required for producing steel structures while achieving better performance in terms of stress levels, thus providing an environmentally sustainable design.