Isuru Nanayakkara

Research Project: Layout optimization of form-resistant shells

Structural engineering and architecture professionals in the UK have declared a climate and biodiversity emergency, calling everyone in the building and construction industry into action towards a more responsible construction industry. Amongst other things, the declaration by structural engineers calls for upgrading existing buildings for extended use, a shift to low embodied carbon materials, and minimisation of wasteful use of resources in structural engineering design. Within this, we can identify two options for new construction; (i) to assess and strengthen existing structures, thereby avoiding new construction, and (ii) to design more sustainable buildings, by using efficient structural forms and materials with low embodied carbon. The current project seeks to make use of ground structure layout optimization to develop analysis and design tools to assist engineers to reduce material and energy consumption in the building and construction industry, with a focus on form-resistant structures which work predominantly in compression.