Optimization and shaping of indeterminate frame structures

Structural shaping and structural optimization are efficient ways of reducing the weight of structural elements. Aside from improving the performance, this can be used creatively to enhance the visual impact of the design and improve the legibility of structural action. Today, modern structural optimization linked with parametric computational design tools can help architects and engineers explore shaped structures with more precision and flexibility. This paper presents the results of the optimization of structural shaping applied to indeterminate frame structures. This research offers a method to shape frame structures to improve their performance and reduce their material consumption while enhancing its architectural quality. Both single loading and multiple load cases are considered. The method is flexible and can produce a diversity of results. The paper also gives some guidance on how the method can be applied to structures rendered in timber.