A Case Study on Design and Optimization of Adaptive Civil Structures

Abstract

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Taking advantage of adaptivity in the field of civil engineering is a subject of ongoing research. Integration of adaptive elements in load-bearing structures is already well-established in many other engineering fields, albeit mostly for different purposes than withstanding predominantly static loads. Initial investigations have demonstrated potential for substantial material and energy savings also in the field of civil engineering, especially for high-rise buildings and wide-span structures, such as roofs or bridges. Adaptive civil structures show promise in tackling current challenges arising from emissions and shortages of materials. In this study, we compare the possible minimum-weight designs for different actuator placement approaches and for different structural topologies that satisfy various constraints for high-rise buildings. We use case studies as illustrative examples to show which advantages and disadvantages can be expected from a specific design. The overarching aim is to learn how truss and beam structures should be designed to perform well as adaptive structures.

Keywords

• adaptive structures
• structural optimization
• integrative design approach
• actuator modeling
• adaptive truss
• adaptive frame