Application of Topology Optimization as a Tool for the Design of Bracing Systems of High-Rise Buildings

This study examines the impact of surrounding buildings and wind incidence angles on the aerodynamic loads of a high-rise building with a 1:1 base–edges and a 1:6 base–height ratio. CFD simulations were conducted using OpenFOAM with the classic RANS k−ϵ turbulence model, validated against experimental data from Tokyo Polytechnic University. The aerodynamic coefficients were analyzed for wind angles of θ = 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°, varying with the adjacent building height. Additionally, topology optimization via the Bi-directional Evolutionary Structural Optimization (BESO) method was applied to determine the optimal bracing system under wind-induced loads. The results indicate that surrounding buildings significantly modify the aerodynamic response, particularly for asymmetric wind angles, where torsional effects become more pronounced. A shielding effect was observed, reducing drag and base moment but with a lesser influence on lift. The topology optimization results show that material distribution is directly influenced by aerodynamic coefficients, with “X” bracing patterns in case of low torsion and an additional member when torsional effects increase. This study highlights the importance of wind engineering in high-rise structural design and urban planning, emphasizing the necessity of specific wind assessments for accurate load predictions in dense urban environments.