Transforming architectural and engineering design with pioneering structural optimisation techniques

RMIT’s Distinguished Professor Mike Xie pioneered structural optimisation methods that are being used by engineers, architects and researchers across the globe to create lightweight and high-performance structures and materials.

SDGs

Mike Xie structural optimisation architectural design engineering design computational algorithms ESO and BESO methods for optimisation

Transforming architectural and engineering design

The evolutionary structural optimisation (ESO) and bi-directional evolutionary structural optimisation (BESO) methods are inspired by the process of “survival of the fittest” in naturally occurring structures such as bones, shells and trees. First developed by Xie and co-workers more than 30 years ago, he and his team have continuously improved and extended the algorithms for the past 20 years at RMIT University.

The ESO algorithm gradually removes inefficient materials from a system, and the BESO technique allows underutilised material to be removed and simultaneously redistributed to the most needed locations.

Educating the next generation with new software

Now as Director of RMIT’s Centre for Innovative Structures and Materials (CISM), Xie and his team are continuing to focus on theoretical development and practical application of structural optimisation techniques.

In 2018, they released the commercialised 3D BESO topology optimisation software Ameba that has become a popular digital design tool used by students, graduates and a new generation of researchers and designers across the globe.

Global impact across multiple sectors

The computer algorithms have helped to reduce the weight and enhance the performance of complex structures and materials across industries including engineering, architecture, biomedicine and material science.

Algorithms influencing international designs

Distinguished Professor Xie says that while his algorithms focus on reducing the amount of materials needed in a structure, they also produce elegant shapes that are aesthetically attractive to designers and end users.

“These methods result in less materials being needed which is obviously very beneficial for the environment and cost effective, and I’m also pleased that they create a better living environment for everyone,” he said.

An extended ESO method and the BESO method have been used by engineers and architects to design large-scale buildings and bridges including the Qatar National Convention Centre by Arata Isozaki and Mutsuro Sasaki. They have also been used to create novel microstructures of materials and composites.

Design proposal by Mike Xie’s team for a bridge in Chongqing, China, in collaboration with T.Y. Lin International Engineering Consulting.

Collaborators and funding

CISM researchers have been awarded many major grants by the Australian Research Council, including the prestigious Laureate Fellowship for Distinguished Professor Xie awarded in 2019, the Future Fellowship and several Discovery Early Career Researcher Awards (DECRA).

Financial support to the research team has also been provided by several large companies including Arup, Boeing and Aurecon.

Continue exploring

Read related RMIT impact stories

Developing inclusive health programs and digital literacy in Southeast Asia

Research at RMIT Vietnam is helping to improve access to health services and boost digital literacy for people living with a disability in Vietnam and Indonesia.

research-impact-darryn-mcevoy-planting-fencing-installation2-photocredit-yuyun-qomariyah-1220x732.jpg

Enhancing Community Resilience in Honiara, Solomon Islands

Creating real-world impact on climate resilience by building local capacity and enhancing agency.

Breakthrough research set to improve diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer

An extensive program of research at RMIT is tackling ovarian cancer through pre-clinical and clinical trial research leveraging immunology, genetics, bioinformatics, novel therapeutics and diagnostics.

Understanding and tackling Spotty Liver Disease in poultry

RMIT researchers identified the bacterial species that causes Spotty Liver Disease in chickens and developed diagnostic tools for the serious issue that is affecting global egg production industries.

See more stories +

Connect with RMIT Research

If you're not sure how you can best work with us, our team can explain what's possible and put you in touch with the right person.

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information

Acknowledgement of Country

More information