In this study, we focus on the feasibility of structural topology optimization for a steel-timber composite beam design of optimally allocating glue-laminated timbers into a web with openings under the condition of given steel flanges. The motivation of this study is to topologically take maximal stiffness harmonizing both tension and compression performance of the steel-timber composite beam and become the eco-frandly timber design for buidling members. As a result of this study, the key web-openings allocation becomes triangle spaces, i.e., empty or no materials, of optimal topologies of both a pure timber plate and a steel flange-web timber plate without web-openings. Several applicable examples verify the effectiveness of topology optimization for steel-timber beams with web-openings.

This study analyzes the buckling safety in the area of circumferentially edge-stiffened door openings without any additional longitudinal stiffeners of offshore tubular steel towers. The tubular steel tower is subjected to six (6) different load situations which are deemed to be normal and abnormal operating cases for the ultimate limit state. Analytical method using parametric equations based on Eurocode 3 - Design of Steel Structures and numerical method of finite element are used to analyze the critical meridional buckling stress. ABAQUS, a finite element program, is used for the numerical method analysis. Buckling safety analysis in the localized area near the opening is studied, and points of interest are defined for comparison between the two aforementioned analyses. Findings are tabulated and shown in illustrative charts, and conclusions are made.