Topology-Optimization of 3D Concrete Printed Columns Considering Material-Anisotropy (2024-11)¶

3-Dimensional Concrete Printing (3DCP) offers design freedom to develop and implement complex geometries in concrete structures. This technology allows the printing of optimized cross-sections and unique member profiles to ensure material and structural efficiency. Further, the low structural weight leads to reduced costs of foundations and seismic forces. In this study, the topology optimization of compression members is carried out using the SIMP (Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization) method for arriving at the optimized member profiles, in addition, six different cross-sectional profiles of columns were adopted with similar volumetric constraints and analysed for axial and lateral loads. All six models were simulated and compared, for isotropic and anisotropic material properties. The anisotropy of the material was included using the transverse anisotropic material modelling technique. This study also attempts to integrate topology optimization with 3DCP for axially loaded columns. The developed models are analysed for different heights and appropriate interaction diagrams are developed. In addition, the models are analysed for stiffness and strain energy capacity under axial and lateral loads. The performance of the profiles is compared based on the load-carrying capacity, axial and lateral deformation, relative stiffness and strain energy capacity of the cross-sections. As a result of this comprehensive study, it was found that the hollow profiled column was able to undertake high loads with considerable development strain energy and stiffness. The results of this study can be used to predict the behaviour of columns at different slenderness ratios of 3D concrete printed compression members.