Possibilities of using the FEM optimization package to improve the structure of self-supporting stairs in a building

The article presents the results of the analyzes on the influence of the optimization self-supporting staircase geometry on its strength and dynamic properties. The primary goal was to achieve a structure with a lower mass. The Topology Optimization tool from the ANSYS package allowed to the elimination of the finite elements carrying the smallest stresses from the structure. The iterative approach resulted in a systematic reduction of the model mass up to decrease by 40 (%). The reduction in the structure led to a decrease in its strength - the safety factor decreased from 5.95 to 4.92. The influence of the optimization of the structure on its dynamic properties was determined as an additional aim of the study.