Folded Plate Structure

A Concept That Every Civil Engineer Should Know About…

Name:Muhamad Sayed Salem

Sec: 4
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
Definition
Folded 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 Nature
The 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 Seashell

Foldable Wings
The Principle of Folding
The 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
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.

Structural Condition Of Folding Structures.

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

 Folded plate surfaces structures

 Folded plate frames structures
 Spatial folded plate structures
Types of Folded Structure
Classification 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
 Mezzanine ceiling called Miami Marine Stadium,
"Kielsteg" Florida

 As Roof Structure

 As Floor Structure

Securing The Foundation Church of Notre Dame

Pit With Larsen Planks de Royan, France

As Wall Structure

 As Steel Sheet Piles

The Application of Folded Structures
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.
 Some Real Life Examples of Folded Plate Structure

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
Moussavi
Floor 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
More In Bangladesh:

Bangladesh National Museum Kamalapur Rail Station

Some Real Life Examples of Folded Plate Structure
More In Bangladesh:

Mohakhali Bus Terminal Mausoleum Of Three Leaders

 Recommendation
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

And Last…
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.