Folded Plate

Structure
A Concept That Every Civil Engineer Should Know
About
Md. Al-Mobin Shah Masum
B. 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 FoldedPlate Structure
Some Real Life Examples of Folded Plate

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

Foldable Wings

Seashell

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

 As Roof Structure

As Floor Structure
Securing The
Foundation Pit
With Larsen
Planks

Mezzanine
ceiling called
"Kielsteg"

Church of Notre
Dame de Royan,
France

Miami Marine
Stadium, Florida

The Application of Folded Structures

As Wall Structure

As Steel Sheet Piles

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

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

Light Weight Emergency

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.