الفهرس 
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Abstract
The concept of structural optimization has recently gained a lot of attention. Topology optimization in particular has been under continuous development due to its applicability to wide range of engineering problems spanning even beyond structural applications. Great deal of concern was being given to the algorithms of topology optimization utilizing the state of the art technology as well as heightened computing speeds found nowadays.
Topology optimization has been the focus of attention for the engineering society for many years. However, very few research can be found regarding the application of the topology optimization procedures in the design of reinforced concrete structures especially when linked with strut-and-tie method which is a method proved to be quite adequate in the design of reinforced concrete structure with great accuracy.
This study was conducted in order to further strengthen the link between topology optimization and the strut-and-tie method which is a widely implemented design method by most of the design codes, and utilize those two powerful tools in the design of complex reinforced concrete structures. Moreover, a program capable of performing topology optimization algorithm to simple as well as complex structures and design the critical elements of the structure was developed. The code for the program was developed using MATLAB software to constitute the adopted topology optimization algorithm, along with SAP2000 which is a widely spread and well developed structural analysis program used to perform analyses.
First, a simple code was formulated that was used to solve simple structural problems such as deep beams with different span to depth ratio. The laid-out code was then tested using different deep beams examples and the results of the optimization procedures were verified with previous literature as well as the anticipated strut-and-tie models. Then, a second more generalized code that is capable of solving complex and non-typical types of structures was developed. The code was developed based on the basic principles and algorithms of the first one, with the ability to perform topology optimization on non-typical structures. The general code was verified with previous literature as well as examples of corresponding strut-and-tie models.
A sensitivity study was performed to give an insight on the effects of the various optimization factors and parameters on the final topology. Major optimization parameters were addressed in this study, and analysis as well as discussion of results are laid out.
Verification with experimental results was performed to ensure the design capabilities as well as the failure load prediction ability of the proposed code is tested. The proposed code was verified against various experimental test results with different load cases as well as various cases of failure.
A non-linear topology optimization based code was constructed to further enhance the quality of obtained solutions. The proposed code allowed the effects of material non-linearity such as major redistribution occurring after reaching yielding point of steel to be taken into consideration. The results obtained from the non-linear code was verified and compared to both the linear results as well as the experimental results.
Finally, it was concluded that the proposed code can be used in the design of reinforced concrete structures with great accuracy. Furthermore, the proposed code is capable of adequately illustrating the corresponding strut-and-tie models for complex or non-typical structures.