Author(s): Hongxi Yin, Van Bawi Chin Tial, Bao Nguyen, Sam Schlegl, Ming Qu, Xinyu Zhao, Ryan Yin, Andres Fernadez-Aguilar, Alaaeldin Elsisi & Xin Yan
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is an emerging steel construction technology that enables freeform design, mass customization, and material efficiency. This study investigates the development and performance of a WAAM–HSS Composite Steel Beam (WHCSB), which integrates linear hollow structural section (HSS) steel members with WAAM-fabricated connectors. The beam’s geometry was generated through a topological optimization algorithm and evaluated using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to assess its structural performance. In addition, a cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed to quantify the environmental impacts associated with producing the optimized steel element. The results demonstrate the potential of combining WAAM with topological optimization to produce structurally efficient, resource-conscious, and environmentally sustainable steel components, offering guidance for future applications in construction.
Volume Editors
Reed Kroloff & Francisco J. RodrÃguez-Suárez
ISBN
978-1-944214-52-4