Computational Design Optimization of Large-Scale Building Structures: Methods, Benchmarking & Applications
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bath
Department Name: Architecture and Civil Engineering
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Organisations
Publications
Antiopi Koronaki
(2018)
Geometry Optimization of Space Frame Structures for Joint Modularity
He L
(2022)
Optimization-driven conceptual design of truss structures in a parametric modelling environment
in Structures
Koronaki A
(2020)
Rationalization of freeform space-frame structures: Reducing variability in the joints
in International Journal of Architectural Computing
Koronaki A
(2017)
Layout optimization of space-frame structures
Koronaki A
(2018)
Geometry optimization of space-frame structures for joint modularity
Koronaki, A.
(2017)
Layout optimization of space frame structures
Li T
(2019)
Computational Grid Generation for the Design of Free-Form Shells with Complex Boundary Conditions
in Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering
Wang Q
(2019)
A triangular grid generation and optimization framework for the design of free-form gridshells
in Computer-Aided Design
Weldeyesus A
(2020)
Truss geometry and topology optimization with global stability constraints
in Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization
Weldeyesus A
(2019)
Adaptive solution of truss layout optimization problems with global stability constraints
in Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization
| Description | The project has led to the development of powerful new computational techniques that allow structurally efficient forms for structures forming buildings and bridges to be identified. These can help engineers to produce more efficient desgns with lower carbon footprints. |
| Exploitation Route | Via accessing publications written by project personnel and using the software tools developed. |
| Sectors | Construction |
| Description | Methods developed in the project have been used to create the Peregrine optimization tool, a plugin for the widely used Rhino/Grasshopper software. This has enabled the methods developed to be used by companies working in the construction and manufacturing sectors. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
| Sector | Construction,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Impact Types | Societal,Economic |
| Title | Peregrine optimization plugin |
| Description | Peregrine is a powerful structural layout optimization plugin for Grasshopper, the popular algorithmic modelling environment built into the Rhino3D modelling software. Peregrine can be used to rapidly identify highly efficient (minimum volume) frame topologies for any given set of loads, supports and material properties. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Impact | The software is already being piloted by major companies (e.g. Arup) on projects, and it is likely that structures designed using the software will be constructed in the near future. Over 1000 downloads recorded within 4 months of release. |
| URL | https://limitstate3d.com/peregrine |
| Description | Hands on workshop at BILT Europe 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | We were invited to run a hands-on workshop at BILT Europe in Edinburgh in October 2019. This was an interactive "hands on" workshop attended by around 20 engineering practitioners from across Europe. An enhanced version of the optimization software prepared for previous workshops was used. This software helped to demonstrate the power of structural optimization in a sector unfamiliar with its application. Prior to the workshop interested delegates were also able to attend a 75 minute lecture covering background theory etc. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.dbeinstitute.org/event/bilt-europe-2019/schedule/ |
| Description | Hands-On Optimization Workshop at the Building Centre, London |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | An interactive "hands on" workshop attended by around 20 engineering practitioners and students was held at the Building Centre in London in November 2018. Software originally prepared for a previous workshop, held at an IASS workshop at MIT some months earlier, was used at the workshop. This software helped to demonstrate the power of structural optimization in a sector unfamiliar with its application. Attendees included engineers from leading UK-based structural engineering consultancies. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | http://www.build-opt.org/news/2018/11/10/optimization-driven-conceptual-structural-design-workshop |
| Description | IASS Invited Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Ran a well-attended workshop on structural optimization, which included a keynote by Bill Baker of SOM, one of the world's leading structural engineers, as well as presentations covering project outcomes and use of the methods developed in the project by industry (delivered by colleagues from Arup). Led to requests on how to access the tools presented. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | http://congress.cimne.com/formandforce2019/frontal/Invited.asp |
| Description | Optimization Workshop at IABSE Future of Design Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | An interactive "hands on" workshop attended by around 40 engineering practitioners and students was held at the IABSE Future of Design Conference. Special software was prepared for the workshop, which helped to demonstrate the power of structural optimization in a sector unfamiliar with its application. Attendees included the President of the Institution of Structural Engineers, sparking a future collaboration and joint publication. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | http://iabse.org.uk/fod-sheffield-2017/ |
| Description | Optimization-Driven Creativity In Structural Design Workshop (IASS 2018, MIT) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A one day interactive "hands on" workshop attended by around 20 engineering practitioners and students was held at the 2018 IASS Annual Conference held at MIT. Special software was prepared for the workshop, which helped to demonstrate the power of structural optimization in a sector unfamiliar with its application. Attendees included engineers from leading international consultancies and researchers from prominent universities from around the world. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | http://www.build-opt.org/news/2018/6/13/optimization-driven-creativity-in-structural-design-iass2018... |
| Description | Presentatino to IStructE Chester & North Wales |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presented to regional branch of the Institution of Structural Engineers |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Presentation at Digital Construction Week (Excel Centre) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Paul Shepherd presented his active research projects as a speaker at Digital Construction Week. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com/ |
| Description | Presentation at SCI Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Delivered a presentation entitled "Computational layout optimization of building structures" at the SCI annual conference in November 2019. This sparked questions and increased awareness amongst delegates of the optimization technology developed as part of the research project. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Presentation to Ecole des Ponts ParisTech (France) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Paul Shepherd presented his active research projects in-depth, during a talk to Staff, Postgraduates and Undergraduates at Ecole des Ponts ParisTech, France. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Presentation to HinkleyPointC as part of Quality Week |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Live-streamed presentation to all members of the Hinkley Point C construction project, including those based in France. Also published a companion article in their internal newsletter. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Presentation to ICE Bristol CLub |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Online presentation to local branch of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), which led to a follow-on invite to talk to the IStructE |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Presentation to Robert Bird Group (London Office) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Paul Shepherd presented his active research projects in-depth, during a CPD-style Lunchtime Talk to an office of Practicing Consultant Engineers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Presentation to TonyGee & Partners (London Office) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Paul Shepherd presented his active research projects in-depth, during a CPD-style Lunchtime Talk to an office of Practicing Consultant Engineers. The talk was also live-streamed to the company's Dubai Office. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Presentation to TonyGee & Partners (Stroud Office) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Paul Shepherd presented his active research projects in-depth, during a CPD-style Lunchtime Talk to an office of Practicing Consultant Engineers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Presentation to i3P Delivery Leadership Group |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Paul Shepherd introduced the i3P's Delivery Leadership Group (key industry stakeholders) to the ACORN Research Project. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Project dissemination event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | In November 2019 we held a project dissemination event at the IStructE in London, attended physically or virtually by approx. 200 people. The event comprised (i) a half-day hands-on computer laboratory session, (ii) a half-day mini-conference, (iii) an evening lecture. The evening lecture was recorded and has been watched by >2000 people as of March 2020. Feedback was extremely positive, with many participants indicating that they now had a better understanding of the role and power of structural layout optimization. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | http://www.build-opt.org/news/istructe-nov19 |
| Description | Workshop at IStructE Digital Design & Computation Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | We were invited to run a hands-on workshop at First IStructE Digital Design & Computation Conference, held on 28 March 2019. This was an interactive "hands on" workshop attended by around 30 engineering practitioners and students. An enhanced version of software prepared for previous workshops was used. This software helped to demonstrate the power of structural optimization in a sector unfamiliar with its application. Attendees included engineers from leading UK-based structural engineering consultancies. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |