Optimization Driven Architectural Design of Structures

Project Information

OptArch

Grant agreement ID: 689983

DOI

10.3030/689983

Project closed

EC signature date 15 December 2015

Start date 1 February 2016

End date 31 January 2020

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 1 620 000,00

EU contribution

€ 1 620 000,00

Coordinated by

ETHNICON METSOVION POLYTECHNION
Greece

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - OptArch (Optimization Driven Architectural Design of Structures)

Reporting period: 2018-02-01 to 2020-01-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The methodology for dealing with optimization problems in the field of architectural design relies on trial and error procedure. This approach has the disadvantage of being difficult to implement and also not taking into account mathematical aspects of optimization procedure. The challenging main objective of OptArch is to propose a radically new design procedure for safer, more economic and environmentally friendly structures. Methodologically, this will be achieved by an in-depth investigation of fundamental aspects of architectural design and by implementing design procedure at three different levels, corresponding to different levels of available hardware performance. For conceptual and preliminary design phases, new design procedures are also proposed.
The tasks of OptArch integrate and extend previous research of Consortium in the fields of structural optimization, numerical analysis, novel structural engineering approaches, soft computing and computer technology. Such a multidisciplinary approach is deemed necessary to tackle the challenges associated with achieving project objective. The expertise of Consortium in all aspects of proposed research, combined with exceptional opportunities provided by MSCA Actions, give OptArch the potential to significantly enhance our knowledge and improve current design practice of structural systems, helping future generations of engineers to design safer, more economic and eco-friendly structures. An additional result of OptArch is to consolidate the Consortium as a leading independent researcher and team leader in an academic environment which is currently suffering from a pronounced brain-drain of young talents.
The OptArch project focuses on: (1) Collaboration and exchange of knowledge between partners. (2) Specialization of expertise regarding SMEs participating. (3) Development of cheaper and more efficient structures. (4) Create and test of methodologies for applying optimization in different design phases of structures. (5) Exploiting topology optimization techniques in computer aided architectural design. (6) Exchange ideas and propose formulations to real life applications. (7) Develop solutions for optimized multidisciplinary architectural designs. (8) Combine criteria deriving from structural mechanics, eco design, bioclimatic design and acoustic performance. As the project completed its work, it is clearly defined that optimization of structures with respect to various criteria is possible in practise while advantages of such practise are significant (economy, ecology, etc).

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

WP1: The main objective of WP1 is R&D of gradient based and derivative free algorithms that address unconstrained and constrained, single and multi-objective optimization problems in the field of structural engineering. A series of secondments and knowledge exchange led to the development of such practises.
WP2: In WP2, the practical application of topology optimizatio methods was examined. Through multi-sectoral collaborations, the application and testing of criteria and constraints in topology optimization was made possible.
WP3: In WP3, the goal was to examine modelling, analysis and design of optimized structure. With knowledge exchange between academia and SME, this was made possible. During Secondment of Prof. Abdalla to NTUA, solid-element-based numerical models were implemented to study the progressive collapse resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) column-beam-slab substructures. After careful designing the structures an optimization method was used to redesign the structure. During secondments of Mr. Chatzieleftheriou and Mr. Kallioras to EUP checks of accuracy of models with appropriate monitoring equipment were obtained.
WP4: The main objective of WP4 was to use coordination methods for multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) of buildings with emphasis on structural and environmentally benign engineering. Energy-efficient building design optimization problems are large, thus decomposition-based MDO formulations were required. In this WP a non-hierarchical coordination method was developed for simulation-based engineering design to the needs of building structural engineering and energy systems.
WP5: In this WP, the application of performance optimization of bioclimatic design was examined. Collaboration between civil engineers, architects and mathematicians was needed for the successful implementation of those tasks. The results can be seen in structures and scientific publications.
WP6: The collaboration of participants on definition and numerical implementation of geometric constraints related to architecture in shape and topology optimization algorithms as well as enhancement of aesthetic qualities and manufacturability of optimized shape have been very fruitful. In addition acoustic problems and more precisely adjustment of maximum and minimum pressure from optimization of boundary conditions were addressed.
WP7: The main objective of the work package was to demonstrate the feasibility and reveal the potential of shape-controlled structures through the modelling, analysis and design of novel adaptable hybrid systems. The WP has initiated in February 2017. The representatives from all partners made an online meeting in March 24 in order to discuss joint activity and secondments. A second coordination meeting has taken place during mid-term evaluation meeting of OptArch in Athens during September 11-12, 2017. The results of this WP are available via a series of scientific publications.
WP8: In this WP International Conferences and Specialized Seminars on topics related to Engineering and Applied Sciences were scheduled to be organized. In this direction the activities have been organized are: 1 International Conference (OptArch 2019), 3 Summer Schools, 3 Workshops and 4 Diplome Thesis.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

OptArch is targeted on defining and testing of mathematical optimization techniques in several design phases of structures. In detail, the Consortium is developing base methodology of applying optimization techniques in architectural and engineering problems like weight minimization, shape and topology of structures, form finding, etc. The innovation of structuring an applicable environment of above mentioned approaches under a multiobjective optimization scheme is performed by Consortium. Future work relies on fine-tuning the above mentioned formulation while expanding it with more demanding aspects such generative design, kinetic structures, acoustic performance optimization, etc. By the end of OptArch, Consortium plans to develop a holistic methodology on applied optimization on almost all aspects of architectural design from structural shape to hybrid structures.
As most of lifetime of is spent indoors, several economical, psychological and social factors are defined by architectural design. Also, as buildings use around 40% of global energy and resources while emit almost 33% of global GHG emissions, the importance of optimizing building design is significant. Through OptArch, academic sector will broaden its horizon by working closely and interacting with SMEs from different disciplines while a large number of researchers from EU member states and third countries will be given the opportunity to work side by side and exchange knowledge and experience.

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