Performance-based multi-hazard topology optimization of wind and seismically excited structural systems

• Published in: Engineering structures Vol. 172; pp. 573 - 588
• Main Authors: Suksuwan, Arthriya, Spence, Seymour M.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2018; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Case studies; Design optimization; Environmental assessment; Environmental hazards; Geological hazards; Hazard assessment; Hazard identification; Lateral loads; Monte Carlo simulation; Multi-hazard engineering; Performance assessment; Performance measurement; Performance-Based Design; Reliability engineering; Seismic activity; Seismic engineering; Seismic hazard; Seismic isolation; Seismic response; Simulation; Structural design; Structural engineering; Structural reliability; Topology; Topology optimization; Wind; Wind engineering; Performance-Based Design; Topology optimization; Multi-hazard engineering; Wind engineering; Seismic engineering; Monte Carlo simulation
• ISSN: 0141-0296; 1873-7323
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2018.06.039

•A topology optimization framework is proposed for multi-hazard dynamic systems.•The strategy is defined to treat a wide variety of multi-hazard design scenarios.•The approach is centered on optimizing in a multi-hazard performance-based setting.•The method can handle constraints posed on stationary/non-stationary responses.•A case study is presented demonstrating the robustness of the proposed method. The integration of topology optimization procedures into modern structural design frameworks is gaining interest as an innovative approach for achieving more efficient designs. To this end, probabilistic performance-based topology optimization frameworks have recently been proposed for the identification of optimal structural systems subject to extreme wind or seismic events considered in isolation. However, there are large geographic regions that are subject to both wind and seismic hazards. Therefore, the development of methods that can ensure that target performance metrics are met within a multi-hazard setting is a crucial step towards improving the reliability of structural systems. This paper is focused on proposing a simulation-centered performance-based topology optimization framework for the identification of optimal structural systems for multi-hazard wind and seismic environments. A probabilistic performance assessment framework is firstly proposed based on synergistically describing the performance of wind or seismically excited systems. Based on this framework, a multi-hazard topology optimization strategy is proposed. In particular, the methodology is centered on the definition of an approximate optimization sub-problem that not only decouples the simulation-based performance assessment from the optimization loop, but also transforms the dynamic and uncertain optimization problem into an explicit static and deterministic problem therefore enabling its efficient resolution using any gradient-based optimizer. Optimal lateral load resisting systems that rigorously meet the probabilistic performance constraints set within the multi-hazard environment are therefore identified. A case study is presented demonstrating the potential of the proposed framework.