Topology Optimization and Performance-Based Design of Tall Buildings: A Spatial Framework

Performance-based design (PBD) proves to be a robust approach that can ensure the satisfaction of stakeholder desired target performance objectives during the design of structural systems, especially for areas prone to severe natural hazards. While the application of PBD has been widely applied for achieving earthquake-resisting structural systems, the concept of PBD has only recently been expanded to wind engineering. In particular, the integration of PBD concepts within topology optimization in an attempt to achieve both reliable as well as economically-viable systems within severe wind environments has recently been explored for 2D structural systems. Therefore, the definition of a performance-based topology optimization framework within a fully 3D space would represent a significant bridge between theoretical findings and practical applications. This paper illustrates the development of such design framework. First, a PBD methodology is briefly reviewed. Then, a discussion is presented on how to schematically incorporate the concepts of PBD into the constraint functions of a 3D topology optimization problem through the adoption of an appropriate set of performance-based design constraints. Finally, a case study is presented in order to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed 3D PBD topology optimization framework.