Folded Plate

Structure
When Engineering Meets the Arts

Ehsanul Kabir
Lecturer
Dept. of Civil Engineering,
PCIU
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
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-

Pattern of Folding
Basic Geometrical Shape
Material
Connection of different
Folding Planes
Design of 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 Miami Marine
ceiling called Stadium, Florida
"Kielsteg"

As Floor Structure
As Roof Structure

Securing The Church of Notre

Foundation Pit Dame de Royan,

With Larsen France

Planks
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,
Source: Year: 1962
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
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.