Folded Plate StructureA Concept That Every Civil Engineer Should Know About…

Md. Al-Mobin Shah MasumB. Sc. in Engineering (Civil), UAP, 2016

Outline Definition

Folding Systems in Nature

The Principle of Folding

The Basic concept of Folding

Structural Behavior of Folding

Types of Folded Structure

The Application of Folded Structures

Advantages and Disadvantages of Folded-Plate Structure

Some Real Life Examples of Folded Plate Structure

Recommendation

DefinitionFolded plates are assemblies of flat plates rigidly connected together along their edges in such a way that the structural system capable of carrying loads without the need for additional supporting beams along mutual edges.

Engineer Eudene Freyssinet performed the first roof with the folded structure in 1923 as an aircraft hangar at Orly Airport in Paris.

Folding Systems in NatureThe principle of folding as a tool to develop a general structural shape has been known for a long time. Folded structure systems which are analogous to several biological systems such as found at broadleaf-tree leaves, petals and foldable insect wings, are adopted to be employed in a new, technical way.

Leaf of Palm Tree Beetle Insect With Foldable Wings

Seashell

The Principle of FoldingThe structural characteristics of folding structures depend on-

The pattern of the folding.

Their geometrical basic shape.

Its material.

The connection of the different

folding planes.

The design of the bearings.

The Basic concept of Folding

The concept of stiffness generation

Structural Behavior of Folding

Structural Condition Of Folding Structures.

Load Distribution process :

At first, the external forces are transferred to the shorter edge of one folding element.

There, the reaction as an axial force is divided between the adjacent elements.

Then the forces transferred to the bearings.

Types of Folded StructureBased on geometric shape folded structures can be divided into:

Folded plate surfaces structures

Folded plate frames structures

Spatial folded plate structures

Types of Folded StructureClassification of folded structures based on the material they are made of:

Folded structures made of reinforced concrete

Metal folded structures

Folded structures of wood

Folded structures of glass

Folded structures of plastic materials

Folded constructions made in combination

of different materials

The Application of Folded Structures

As Roof Structure As Wall Structure

As Steel Sheet Piles As Floor Structure

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Folded-Plate Structure Advantages:

Very light form of construction. To span 30 m shell thickness required is 60 mm only.

The use of concrete as a building material reduces both materials cost and a construction cost.

Longer span can be provided. Flat shapes by choosing certain arched shapes. Esthetically it looks good over other forms of construction.

Disadvantages: Shuttering is difficult. Greater accuracy in formwork is required. Good labor and supervision necessary. Rise of roof may be a disadvantage.

Air Force Academy Chapel, USA Architect: Walter Netsch,

Length: 280 ft, Height: 150 ft, Width: 84 ft,Year: 1962

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force_Academy_Cadet_Chapel

Some Real Life Examples of Folded Plate Structure

Yokohama International Passenger Terminal, Architect: Alejandro Zaera-Polo & Farshid

MoussaviFloor Area: 34,732 m2,

Length: 430m, Height: 15m, Width: 70m

Source: www.osanbashi.com/en/outline/features.html

Some Real Life Examples of Folded Plate Structure

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre,Architect: Ali Imam,

Year: 2004,Seating capacity: 275 people

Source: www.novotheatre.gov.bd

Some Real Life Examples of Folded Plate Structure

Kamalapur Rail StationBangladesh National Museum

More In Bangladesh:

Some Real Life Examples of Folded Plate Structure

Mausoleum Of Three LeadersMohakhali Bus Terminal

More In Bangladesh:

Some Real Life Examples of Folded Plate Structure

There are many homeless people in Bangladesh. Specially during disaster, many people become homeless. We can use the concept of folded plate structure to make portable shelter for the homeless people. Significant works on this project is already in progress. It is very cheap and easily useable by anyone. We just have to adopt it for our people.

reCover Accordion Shelter Light Weight Emergency Shelter

Recommendation

The concept of Folded plate system is a wonderful gift of nature to us. We should use this concept for more innovative ways to improve our structures.

And Last…