Reinforcement layout design for concrete structures based on continuum damage and truss topology optimization

This article presents a new procedure for the layout design of reinforcement in concrete structures. Concrete is represented by a gradient‐enhanced continuum damage model with strain‐softening and reinforcement is modeled as elastic bars that are embedded into the concrete domain. Adjoint sensitivity analysis is derived in complete consistency with respect to path‐dependency and the nonlocal model. Classical truss topology optimization based on the ground structure approach is applied to determine the optimal topology and cross‐sections of the reinforcement bars. This approach facilitates a fully digital work flow that can be highly effective, especially for the design of complex structures. Several test cases involving two‐ and three‐dimensional concrete structures illustrate the capabilities of the proposed procedure.