End Colloquium Tijs Martens

Topology Optimization of 3D Concrete Printed Floor Systems using gradient-based and heuristic approaches

The aim of this master thesis is to topologically optimize a 3D concrete printed floor slab considering different strength limits in tension and compression to achieve a material reduction. That is very relevant since floor slabs are the biggest contributor to the environmental impact of the materials used within the building’s structure. This is additionally motivated by the need to reduce the cement production as a major source of CO2-emissions. 

Nevertheless, the application of topology optimization methods to 3D concrete printing is not straightforward… 

An approach to solve the compliance minimization problem by a gradient-based method, as well as an approach to solve the stress-constrained volume minimization problem by a non-gradient heuristic method are presented.