Optimization methods for the design of advanced 3d‐printed metal seismic dissipation devices

In recent years, the topic of passive building protection became increasingly relevant due to the intense seismic activity in many parts of the world, often impacting densely populated areas. In the meantime, modern additive manufacturing technologies enabled the introduction of devices for structural applications that are innovative both in terms of final shape and design methods. The aim of the research project is to develop metal energy dissipation devices (dampers) from conventional geometric shapes and then direct the design towards specific performance in terms of strength, stiffness and dissipative capacity through optimization algorithms, with the aim of optimizing their function when employed as damper for the seismic protection of buildings. The subsequent removal of parts in excess of the real structural needs makes it possible to pursue important goals such as saving material, and reducing weight and costs. The proposed study illustrates the results of the first dampers designed through advanced topological and geometric optimization algorithms, implemented within the Abaqus software. The early models, designed from a spherical shape, are conceived to withstand axial stresses, simulating the load that can be transferred through a diagonal brace during an earthquake.