Shape optimization of metallic yielding devices for passive mitigation of seismic energy

Bi-directional Evolutionary Structural Optimization (BESO) is a well-established topology optimization technique. This method is used in this paper to optimize the shape of a passive energy dissipater designed for earthquake risk mitigation. A previously proposed shape design of a steel slit damper (SSD) device is taken as the initial design and its shape is optimized using a slightly modified BESO algorithm. Some restrictions are imposed to maintain simplicity and to reduce fabrication cost. The optimized shape shows increased energy dissipation capacity and even stress distribution. Experimental verification has been carried out and proved that the optimized shape is more resistant to low-cycle fatigue.