A Metaheuristic Strategy for Reuse-Oriented Buckling-Constrained Optimization of Steel Gridshells

The construction sector is a significant contributor to resource consumption and environmental degradation due to energy-intensive processes. To reduce consumption, reuse-based design strategies could lead to structurally efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. However, effectively incorporating reused elements requires advanced design methods that allow for their rational disposition. This paper presents an innovative design approach based on a metaheuristic strategy developed through genetic algorithms for the design of minimum-weight gridshells using reusable components. The methodology is applied to a dome gridshell, tested under different stock and boundary conditions. An expedited greenhouse gas assessment is then carried out to evaluate the environmental benefits of the reuse-based solutions compared to solutions composed entirely of new elements. The results are presented in terms of geometry, disposition of reused and new members, weight, structural performance (buckling factor, demand to capacity ratio, displacements), and greenhouse gas emissions. The algorithm is able to find the minimum weight solution for all the considered stocks, and to account for the different governing design criteria characterizing fully and partially constrained gridshells. Furthermore, it can also be used to determine the characteristics that the stock of reused elements should possess in order to achieve more sustainable design solutions.