Parametric Optimization of a Frameless High-Rise Structure using Genetic Algorithm

Design optimization of high-rise buildings plays a crucial role in mitigating the significant impact of seismic events on structures and human lives. This study focuses on optimizing frameless high-rise buildings to enhance their resilience against earthquakes. Specifically, a comprehensive investigation is conducted on a 30-story frameless high-rise building, employing a single-objective Genetic Algorithm within the ANSYS application. The optimization process aims to minimize von Mises Stress by targeting key design parameters such as slab thickness, shear wall thicknesses, and vertical loads per floor. ANSYS Transient Structural Analysis simulates the structural behavior, subjecting the building to the September 2007 Magnitude 8.4 Sumatra earthquake and validation using six additional earthquake datasets. The optimized design is characterized by a slab thickness of 260 mm, shear wall thicknesses of 780 mm (excluding
$t_{4}$
and
$t_{5}$
, which are equal to 540 mm), and specific vertical loads ranging from 7.65 kPa to 11.05 kPa for different floors. This study evaluates the maximum von Mises stresses for earthquakes of various magnitudes to assess the structural performance. The resulting maximum von Mises stresses are as follows: 66 MPa for magnitude 6, 158 MPa for magnitude 6.69, 50 MPa for magnitude 6.93,97 MPa for magnitude 7.01, 72 MPa for magnitude 7.6, 19.16 MPa for magnitude 8.1, and 19.19 MPa for magnitude 8.4. Future research directions involve physical testing to validate simulation outcomes and refine the optimization process. The findings can contribute to developing more efficient and sustainable designs for high-rise buildings, thereby ensuring the safety of occupants and enhancing their resilience against seismic events.