Computational Design Methods Comparison for the Optimization of Variable Section Continuous Beams

In recent years, novel computational tools such as generative or parametric design revolutionized the existing approaches to architecture and engineering, substantially affecting and also improving the structural optimization field. This latter can be formally conceived as three different sub-problems, thus involving size optimization, shape optimization, and topology optimization. In this study, the authors mainly focused on solving joint size and shape optimization problems for a continuous variable section simply supported beam domain by comparing the optimization precision obtained among two different computational design methodologies. The former method relies on visual programming parametric design based on Grasshopper software, whilst the second approach is based on the analytical resolution of the multi-domain beam's differential equations directly implemented in MATLAB software. The presented case study refers to Mitsutani and da Rocha's Japan pavilion for the Expo event of 1970 held in Osaka City. This structure today does not exist anymore since it was dismantled and demolished. This was a reference benchmark in the architectural field characterized by an optimized shape with circular soffit geometry at constant curvature. The achieved optimization outcomes synthesize the benefits of controlling the architectural elements whilst improving the efficiency and stability of the proposed conceptual design.