Structural Optimization of a 3D-printed Branch for a Tree-like Column

3D printed steel is becoming more and more common. This research aims to assess the potential of steel 3D-printing in the building sector. A case study is used to investigate possibilities and limitations of 3D-printed steel for structural elements. The analysis is based on the structural optimization of a branch of an existing dendriform column. An algorithm based on a second order non-linear analysis has been generated to perform the shape and size optimization of the branch. An assessment of the hard constrains to be applied for the minimization of the mass is reported. Finally, an investigation on the effects of imperfections on the optimization process has been performed