Structural Topology Optimisation (STO) plays a critical role in computational engineering, enabling the creation of material-efficient, performance-driven structures. However, dynamic STO workflows, particularly those involving time-varying or seismic excitations, are often inaccessible to architects and engineers due to their reliance on standalone solvers, large-scale data handling, and advanced programming skills. This paper introduces a Computer-Aided Design (CAD)-embedded, time-dependent STO framework built upon a modular, adjoint-based optimisation core integrated into a Visual Programming Language (VPL) interface. Implemented within a parametric CAD environment through a custom C# component, the framework embeds a MATLAB-based solver to support geometry definition, boundary condition control, and dynamic finite element analysis under harmonic and seismic loading. The resulting Graphical User Interface (GUI) lowers technical barriers by enabling users to iteratively configure STO parameters, manage meshing, and visualise real-time results. Case studies on tall building façades under earthquake excitation validate the framework’s ability to minimise displacement at targeted Degrees of Freedom (DOFs), dynamically adapt material distributions, and enhance structural resilience. By bridging high-fidelity computational methods with accessible visual workflows, the proposed system advances the integration of dynamic STO into both architectural and engineering practice.

Structural optimization is an active research branch in engineering, especially dealing with complex and concomitant aspects likewise in seismic design. Capacity design criteria for seismic design and detailing must be respected, e.g. according to the "strong-column weak-beam" principle. In steel structures, the choice of a specific beam-column joint typology may strongly affect its behavior under horizontal actions. In this study, the authors investigated the role of beam-column joint stiffness within an optimization paradigm related to steel structure frames. Specifically, the authors adopted simplified modeling assumptions for analysis under lateral loads in the Python environment and Computer and Structures inc. SAP2000 finite element software. Indeed, the main focus hitherto is oriented toward the problem definition accounting for geometric constraints and beam-column rotational stiffness capacity. Future investigations will adopt more realistic modeling procedures accounting for the typical non-linearities involved during strong dynamic actions.

In structural health monitoring (SHM) paradigm, operational modal analysis (OMA) comprises several techniques and algorithms for estimating the dynamic characteristics of a structure in operational conditions from its vibration response. The OMA method has been spreading in the last years due to multiple advantages compared to input–output identification methods. In the current work the authors present the implementation of a Python module named PyOMA and its Graphical User Interface (GUI) PyOMA_GUI. This software provides a user-friendly framework for the first time in the Python environment for estimating the experimental modal parameters (natural frequencies, mode shapes, damping ratios) of a structure from output-only vibration measurements in operational conditions.

Summary In this work, a combined ground structure topology–sizing optimization‐based methodology is presented, for supporting the design phases of moment‐resisting braced frames (MRBFs) for tall buildings, from the conceptual design phase to the final one. The mathematical problem is formulated as a minimum material volume problem subject to compliance and design check constraints imposed by the serviceability and ultimate limit states of the Eurocode design provisions, while the optimized designs achieved are composed of standardized section properties of the Euronorm. Most of the studies that rely on ground structure topology optimization formulation are limited to truss structures, while compliance is used as the objective to be minimized. Considering structural systems composed of elements that develop both axial and flexural stress, together with topology optimization problem formulation where the material volume is to be minimized, describe the major challenges of this study. The minimum material volume problem initially is dealt with by a frame structural topology optimization (FSTO) approach representing the conceptual design phase followed by a sizing structural design optimization procedure referring to the final design phase. In order to test the efficiency of the methodology, it is implemented for designing the structural system of MRBFs for mid‐ and high‐rise building structures. For the case of the real‐world structural systems examined, a variant of the methodology is used where its second design phase is implemented by means of the optimization computing platform (OCP) integrated with the commercial software ETABS v18.

In this paper, a frame structural topology optimization methodology for the generation of moment resist-ing braced frames for tall buildings, considering dynamic seismic loading, is presented. Real-world load-ing conditions along with standardized steel profiles of Euronorm are employed. In the literature, the studies that employ the ground structure topology optimization method are limited mostly to truss structures under static loading conditions. The dynamic response in the framework of structural topology optimization remains a challenging problem, especially when the ground structure method is used for deriving the structural system of tall buildings. The contribution of this study to the state of the art, relies on the implementation of the proposed methodology in the conceptual design phase of civil engineering frame structures, where both axial and flexural stiffness is considered. Direct time integration methods are used, to implement forced vibrations and real recorded earthquake data in the topology optimization procedure, resulting to novel layouts for lateral resisting systems of tall buildings. Aiming to aid the engi-neer to the final design phase, the response spectrum modal analysis is employed and the seismic loading is applied according to the Eurocode 8. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The most computationally demanding part of structural design optimization is the solution of the FE equations and design of the structural model. Therefore, there is a need for the implementation of strategies that can reduce the computational cost of each iteration and thus manage to achieve the same optimized result with considerable reduction in the optimization time. High Performance Optimization Computing Platform (HP-OCP) is an optimization software developed in C# programming language by ISAAR-NTUA and OptiStructre Ltd. [1] which provides a holistic optimization approach for civil engineering structures. It combines powerful derivative-based and derivative-free optimization algorithms like the Projected Quasi-Newton (PQN), Constrained Optimization by Linear Approximation (COBYLA), Latin Hypercube (LH), Differential Evolution etc. [2] integrated with different structural analysis software's like SAP2000, ETABS & SCIA Engineer utilizing their abilities in finite element analysis and most importantly different design codes into the optimization procedure. To deal with the computational demand deriving from this coupling of optimization algorithms and commercial structural analysis software's parallel computational procedures have been implemented to HP-OCP. These procedures were tested in real world civil engineering problems and produced very good results. Parallel strategies are implemented both at the level of the optimization algorithm, by exploiting the natural parallelization features of the evolutionary algorithms, as well as at the level of the repeated structural analysis problems that are required by the optimization algorithm. The numerical tests presented demonstrate the computational advantages of the proposed parallel strategies, which become more pronounced in large-scale optimization problems. 1

Structural optimization over the past decades matured from an academic theoretical field, to an important tool in the design procedure in various engineering disciplines. Some commercial software applications provide some suites with optimization solutions, but they are focused mostly in the aeronautics, automotive and aerospace industry. High Performance Optimization Computing Platform (HP-OCP) is a software developed by the ISAAR-NTUA and provides a holistic optimization approach for civil engineering structures. More precisely, HPOCP is a computational suite that has the ability to integrate with several structural analysis and design software and provide optimization solutions. Structural optimization is mainly divided in three groups, sizing (or parametric), shape and topology optimization. All of them are integrated in HP-OCP and the appropriate algorithms are provided in each category. Considering size and shape optimization, the parametric optimization module is developed, in which the design variables of the mathematical formulation can be the dimension of the section properties, the quality of the material, the coordinates of the nodes etc. In this module plenty of derivativebased and derivative-free algorithms are provided like the Projected Quasi-Newton, Constrained Optimization by Linear Approximation, Latin Hypercube Sampling etc. [1]. Considering the topology optimization module [2], the SIMP method is applied and the mathematical algorithms that are implemented are the Optimality Criteria and Method of Moving Asymptotes. HP-OCP was developed in C# programming language, making it a powerful suite that can be integrated with any commercial software that provide Application Programming Interface, batch analysis via XML files or any other type of data exchange format. In the current work the integration of HP-OCP with the SAP2000, ETABS and SCIA Engineering software is presented. Several examples considering parametric and topology optimization problems are examined. Remarkable cost reduction is succeeded in real-world structures, validating in this way the usefulness of HP-OCP not only in the research field but also in applied civil engineering problems.

Topology optimization (TO) represents a free-form design approach that aims to identify optimized material distribution within the design domain. There are two main broad class of techniques which can be applied: discrete and continuum optimization of the structural system. In this work, TO is applied to structural systems modelled 1D finite elements (i.e. truss and frames) by using SAP2000 which is a well-known commercial software for analysis and design of structural systems that is equipped with an open application programming interface (OAPI). The optimization problem at hand is solved using the High-Performance Topology Optimization Computing Platform (HP-TOCP). The TO problem for the case of structures simulated with 1D finite elements is mainly divided in two stages. First, the generation of the initial design domain, usually called as “ground structures” and second, the formulation of the optimization problem. Most of the articles that can be found in literature and deal with the ground structure generation are applied in 2D structures and have many geometrical limitations. In this work, the Rhino’s plug-in Grasshopper is used, which is a well-known free form design tool with wide range of applications. An additional tool was also developed in C#, to transfer the initial geometry in SAP2000 and formulate the optimization problem. In this work, compliance represents the objective function of the problem while both volume of the final structure and the design code regulations represent the constraints. Without loss of the generality, circular and rectangle cross-sectional geometries are considered in both 2D and 3D test cases.

Structural analysis programs usually compute a static model with cross sections given by the engineer or set to reasonable defaults. Any optimization of the structure with respect to a variable, for example weight/cost, is left to the experience of the engineer, usually because adding optimization capabilities to a structural analysis program is not trivial. Many optimization algorithms are available, each one with their own peculiarities, requirements, and performance. The variable to optimize is different for different projects such as material cost, construction cost, first eigen frequency and others. Adding to the complexity is the fact a static or dynamic analysis is computational expensive (time consuming) and thus the algorithms needs to be tuned to perform as few static analyses as possible. Optimization Computing Platform (OCP) is software developed at ISAAR-NTUA, which in combination with widely known structural analysis programs such as SAP2000 and ETABS, can optimize any structure with various algorithms, and with respect to various variables or a combination of them. Recently, OCP is actively developed to be program agnostic, so that it can be linked with any structural analysis program. The program gains painlessly mature and sophisticated optimization capabilities. In this case study OCP platform was linked with SCIA engineering, structural analysis and design software to provide addition optimization capabilities. To validate the software connection one structural examples is tested with very good results.

One of the most challenging tasks in the construction industry nowadays, is to reduce the material demands and distribute, in the same time, the material among the structural system in the best possible way. Topology optimization is a design procedure that is increasingly used, to generate optimized forms of structures in several engineering fields. The current paper presents the Topology Optimization (TO) module of the High-Performance Optimization Computing Platform (HP-OCP) which focuses on civil engineering problems. More specifically the SIMP method [1] is implemented and the topology optimization problem is solved by using the OC algorithm. The HP-OCP is a platform which evaluates several objective functions, such as the volume of the structure, the compliance etc. and can solve constrained or unconstrained structural optimization problems. The above libraries are developed in C#. The core of the platform is created in such way that it can be integrated with any CAE program that has OAPI, XML or any other type of data exchange format. In the proposed work the structural analysis and design software SAP2000 is used. Theoretical aspects are discussed in order to implement the mathematical formulation in a commercial software. Basic and specific features are applied and representative examples are performed. One of the highlights of the proposed work is that the above module can be used for all kind of finite elements. Benchmark tests are presented with structures that are simulated by 2D plane-stress elements, 3D-solid elements and shell elements. Furthermore, it is independent of the type of the mesh, structured or unstructured, so both examples are presented. In the proposed work a powerful tool for both architects and civil engineers is introduced. The analysis and design of the structures are performed in SAP2000 software, in order to achieve a realistic result that could be a solution for a real-world structure.

The scope of this work is to present a novel methodology that relies on topology optimization and aims to support architectural intuition; using prefabricated structural elements the methodology can assist conceptual design of larger scale structural systems. According to the proposed methodology, equivalent rectangular finite elements are generated based on multiple specifically shaped prefabricated units, which are treated by topology optimization as periodic unit cells. Using the methodology, aesthetic and manufacturing concerns are imposed into the mathematical formulation of the problem and innovative structural systems are developed that cannot be achieved through conventional approaches. The applicability of the proposed methodology is tested in 2D plane stress analysis problems and results for benchmark topology optimization problems are shown. 3D test cases are also examined where hangar and high-rise building type of structures are considered, simulated with 8-node hexahedron finite elements. Finally, a computing code is integrated into the Grasshopper 3D parametric design application, in order to interpret the optimized structures into the Rhino3D computer-aided design software. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Construction industry has a major impact on the environment that we spend most of our life. Therefore, it is important that the outcome of architectural intuition performs well and complies with the design requirements. Architects usually describe as "optimal design" their choice among a rather limited set of design alternatives, dictated by their experience and intuition. However, modern design of structures requires accounting for a great number of criteria derived from multiple disciplines, often of conflicting nature. Such criteria derived from structural engineering, eco-design, bioclimatic and acoustic performance. The resulting vast number of alternatives enhances the need for computer-aided architecture in order to increase the possibility of arriving at a more preferable solution. Therefore, the incorporation of smart, automatic tools in the design process, able to further guide designer's intuition becomes even more indispensable. The principal aim of this study is to present possibilities to integrate automatic computational techniques related to topology optimization in the phase of intuition of civil structures as part of computer aided architectural design. In this direction, different aspects of a new computer aided architectural era related to the interpretation of the optimized designs, difficulties resulted from the increased computational effort and 3D printing capabilities are covered here in.