Flexible optimum design of a bracing system for façade design using multiobjective Genetic Algorithms

X-bracing systems are widely applied in structural design to limit deflections and guarantee stability. Efficient distribution of bracing over a structure is an important concern and often based on intuition and previous experience. This paper presents a topology optimization procedure for cable bracing of the hanging steel façade of a new museum in the United States. In this procedure the use of a multiobjective Genetic Algorithm allows for flexibility during design modifications and accounts for uncertainty of deflection constraint values. The presented method achieves practical solutions to a series of cost minimizing problems, giving the designer a range of optimal bracing configurations which can be selected in response to the continuously changing structural and architectural requirements throughout the design process.

► The method achieves practical solutions to cost minimizing bracing problems.
► Designers obtain a range of optimal bracing configurations meeting changing needs.
► The multiobjective approach used is versatile and adaptable.
► We demonstrate the method on the design on a complex façade problem.