The 21st-century achievement in structural engineering and architecture will be in combining computer-aided design (CAD) with information technologies, material science, and additive manufacturing (AM) to create optimal 3D-printed mega-scale structures. By observing many objects in nature, it was found that the TPMS (triply periodic minimal surface) pattern is an optimal geometry in terms of minimal surface that separates space into equal volume domains. The mechanical principle governed in bioinspired TPMS structures is implemented into the bridge deck system, resulting in minimizing material consumption to resist the applied load. Compared to traditional FRP decks, the stiffness of TPMS bridge decks increases by 40-60% with the same material properties. Considering the new materials with a reduction in material properties, the stiffness of topology-optimized structures can be surpassed. The results show that a topology-optimized bridge deck with changing material concentrations can have the same stiffness while the mechanical properties are halved. This creates room for new materials, even biocomposites for structural applications in large-scale objects.

Paper 81