Multi-scale topology optimization for innovative 3D-printed walls and shell structures

Topology optimization is a computational design tool that allow to optimize specific properties in a design domain imposing a priori conditions. A common topology optimization formulation adopted for civil engineering problem is the minimization of compliance, which is equivalent to maximize the stiffness. In this work, we propose a homogenization-based multiscale approach with a compliance minimization formulation for large-scale 3D printing of innovative in-plane loaded walls and shells for building engineering. This approach entails a two-dimensional structural optimization scheme, that accounts for the presence of predefined microstructures and different material properties. Afterwards, the three-dimensional layout of the optimized structure is reconstructed at the micro-scale starting from the obtained optimal layout by means of a specifically tailored 2.5-D post-processing algorithm. The proposed multiscale topology optimization approach is demonstrated by several meaningful numerical examples.