Topologieoptimierung in der Geotechnik: Anwendung auf Gründungsstrukturen und Validierung

Topology optimization in geotechnical engineering: application to foundations and validation.

This article presents the application of structural optimization in geotechnical engineering. The general design (topology) of a foundation strip is optimized with respect to its deformation behaviour within the service limit state. The SIMP-method is applied for the topology optimization. Hence, a finite element analysis with Abaqus is combined with an adequate optimization algorithm. A hypoplastic constitutive model for modeling material transitions is used for finite element analysis. Four load cases will be examined. The optimized topology design will be reproduced for the following validation with 1 g physical models. A comparison of the load deformation behavior with non optimized foundations with equal volume is carried out. The presented study shows the applicability and potential of topology optimization in geotechnical engineering.