Optimization of load-bearing structures with respect to environmental impact: An implementation of an optimization tool for timber industrial buildings in early design stages based on parametric design
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Structural engineering and building technology (MPSEB), MSc
Publicerad
2023
Författare
Elm Dahlman, Wilma
Tynelius, Hanna
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
The Swedish government has set up national goals to reach net zero emissions from
human activities by 2045. In 2020 the construction industry was responsible for 21
percent of the total green house gas emissions in Sweden. Hence, it has become of
interest to investigate new methods of mitigating the environmental impact of new
buildings. One alternative for such a method is parametric design, which enables
effective evaluation of multiple design solutions. This thesis investigates how a
parametric design tool can be utilized in the design of load-bearing structures in
order to reduce the material usage, and thus the environmental footprint. The
investigation is performed by implementing a tool with the aim of producing a first
draft of an optimized load-bearing structure for a timber industrial building. The
tool is developed in Grasshopper with Python scripting and the results are displayed
in Rhinoceros 3D. Sizing optimization combined with topology optimization are the
chosen optimization methods that are integrated in the tool. The outcome of the
thesis indicates the possibility of a significant reduction of material usage in the loadbearing
structures of two reference projects. In conclusion, the usage of parametric
tools in the construction industry could be a valuable asset in the work towards
reaching net zero emissions by 2045. Moreover, the implemented tool can be an
encouragement to structural engineers in the construction industry to challenge
today’s way of building in order to design more sustainable buildings in the future.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Parametric design , Sizing optimization , Topology Optimization , Timber industrial building , Glulam , Carbon dioxide equivalents , Sustainable buildings , Grasshopper , Galapagos , Rhinoceros 3D