Potential Contributions of Topology Optimization for Building Structures: A Redesign Case Study on Saint Voukolos Church

Year 2022, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 89 - 99, 08.08.2022

Elmas Pak Ahmet Vefa Orhon Yenal Akgun

Abstract

Topology optimization, which has been used in many sectors for a long time, has recently become one of the new research and application trends in the field of architecture. Topology optimization, which can be considered as a part of additive manufacturing, is one of the initiatives to reduce the use of materials during the construction phase by deciding on the architectural design processes [1]. The topology optimization applied according to the load distribution of the structure also reveals unique forms for each structure [2]. This paper aims to examine the potential contributions of a structure designed with topology optimization to the structure in terms of material and form and to create an exemplary model in this context. For this purpose, Saint Voukolos Church, one of the historical masonry buildings in İzmir/ Turkey, was selected and redesigned with topology optimization. The topological optimization of this structure, which was 3D modeled in Rhinoceros®, was made with tOpos®, and two (existing and redesigned) designs were compared in terms of structure, material, and form. As a result, it has been seen that the topologically optimized proposed structure can be built with much less material than the existing structure and more original forms can emerge.

Keywords

Topology optimization, structural optimization, masonry, architecture

Thanks

We would like to express our special thanks and gratitude to Furkan Şahin for helping us with the model and creating the code part regardless of day or night. Also, we thank Prof. Dr. Başak İpekoğlu for sharing the section and the plans of the church.

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