Structural design using topology and shape optimization

Abstract

A topology optimization and shape optimization method are widely used in the design area of engineering field. In this paper, a unified procedure to combine both topology and shape optimization method is used. A material distribution method is used first to extract necessary design parameters of the structure and a shape optimization scheme using genetic algorithm and satisfying all the condition follows. As an example, a GFRP bridge deck is designed and compared with other commercial products. The performance of the designed deck shows that the used design procedure is very efficient and safe. This procedure can be generalized for using in other areas of engineering.