TOPOLOGY OPTIMISATION OF BRACED FRAMES FOR HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS

ABSTRACT This paper describes a topology optimisation technique using continuum quadrilateral finite elements to design structural braced frames that are part of the lateral system of a high-rise building. Continuum topology optimisation is treated as the problem of improving the performance of a continuum design domain in terms of the efficiency of material usage and overall stiffness. This work explores the analytical aspects of optimal geometry for braced frames to understand the underlying behaviour. Conventional bracing layouts and the optimised layout were analysed for deflection and subsequently compared