Shape Extraction of Topological Optimized Structural Outrigger Belt Trusses of Tall Buildings via Material Distribution Method

The goal of this study is to evaluate optimized layouts of outrigger belt trusses which are in widespread use today in the design of tall buildings by strut-and-tie truss models utilizing a topology optimization method. The results are conceptual information for practical engineering design use of topology optimization. The presented strut-and tie model design by using material distribution method provides that belt truss models are automatically and robustly produced by optimal layout information of struts-and-ties conforming to force paths without any trial-and-error. Numerical applications for practical use are studied to verify that outrigger belt trusses for tall buildings are optimally chosen by the proposed method for both static and dynamic responses.