Applications of Topology Optimization Techniques in Seismic Design of Structure

Abstract

During the last two decades, topology optimization techniques have been successfully applied to a wide range of problems including seismic design of structures. This chapter aims to provide an introduction to the topology optimization methods and a review of the applications of these methods in earthquake engineering. Two well-established topology optimization techniques are introduced. Several problems including eigenfrequency control of structures, compliance minimization under periodic loading, and maximizing energy absorption of passive dampers will be addressed. Numerical instabilities and approaches to overcome them will be discussed. The application of the presented approaches and methods will be illustrated using numerical examples. It will be shown that in seismic design of structures, topology optimization methods can be useful in providing conceptual design for structural systems as well as detailed design of structural members.