FOLDED PLATE STRUCTURES

B.V.C.O.A

OMKAR PILANKAR | 5TH YEAR / B | A.B.C.M

INTRODUCTION:
WHAT EXACTLY ARE FOLDED PLATES?

Folded plates are assemblages of flat plates that are securely joined along their edges,
allowing the structural system to carry loads without the requirement for extra supporting
beams along mutual edges.

STRUCTURES OF FOLDED PLATE

The development of reinforced concrete coincides with the design and construction of
foldable structures at the turn of the twentieth century. The primary concept behind this
form of construction is to strive for greater constructive height, more rigidity, and a lower
net weight of the structural element.

In terms of technology, this folded structure is composed of prefabricated pieces with a pre-
stressed framework, which is a great engineering feat for the period.

Folded structures have emerged as a cost-effective counterbalance to massive frame

buildings with a large net weight.

They utilise less material due to their high stiffness in the plane of maximal bending in the
range direction..

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

FOLDING'S STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOR

The bearing capacity of full-flat panels is determined by their thickness and the quality of
the material used to make them. The wide range of entire plate becomes too thick and
heavy, making it uneconomical.

When inclined panels are folded, their vertical projection becomes the height of the folded
superstructure, allowing for a lesser structural element thickness.

In 1923, engineer Eudene Freyssinet built the first roof with a foldable framework as an
aviation hangar at Paris's Orly Airport.

Far greater ranges can be overcome by using folded structures than by using a full flat plate.

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LOAD DISTRIBUTION PROCESS:

• External pressures are initially transferred to the

shorter edge of one folding element.
• The response is divided as an axial force between
the adjacent elements.
• The forces were then transferred to the bearings

Threefold load bearing action of a Folded Plate Structures

THE PRINCIPLES OF FOLDING:

The structural properties of folding structures are determined by:

• The folding pattern.

• There is a basic geometrical shape.
• Its composition.
• The joining of the several folding planes.
• The bearings' design.
• Movable form work is an option.
• The required form work is pretty straightforward.
• Design necessitates simplified computations.

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A.FOLDED PLATE STRUCTURES CLASSIFICATION:

Folded structures are spatial structures built from plane pieces that vary in form and
materialisation.

Folded structures differ :geometric form, the shape of the foundation over which
they are performed, the way of performance, stiffness creating processes, function
and place in the building, and material.

A Folded Plate Structure's threefold load carrying action

Straight parts in a folded construction can be rectangular, trapezoidal, or triangular
in shape. By mixing these parts, we obtain various forms that result in a wide range
of shapes and exceptional architectural expression.

A. BASED ON GEOMETRIC SHAPE FOLDED STRUCTURES CAN BE DIVIDED INTO:

• Folded plate surfaces,

o Prismatic: Rectangular plates
o Pyramidal: Non-rectangular plates
o Prismoidal: Triangular or trapezoidal plates
• Folded plate frames,
• Spatial folded plate structures.

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Plate Folding Forms
Folded structures in the plane are structures in which all of the folded structure's highest
points and all of its lowest points correspond to two parallel planes.

Frame folded structures are a type of constructional set in which the elements of each
fold segment have a frame spatial form. This folded structure is characterised by the spatial
organisation of two or more folds in the plane.

Spatial folded structures are structures in which the elements of a folded structure are
combined mutually to generate a spatial constructive set.

B. FOLDED STRUCTURES' SHAPE:

Affects the load transmission and depending

direction of folded structures.

We can divide the structures into three types

based on these parameters:

• Linear folded plate structures,

• Radial folded plate structures,
• Spatial folded plate structures.

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C. COMBINED FOLDED CONSTRUCTIONS :

Are performed on a complicated geometric basis composed of simple geometric shapes,

rectangles, and semicircles on one or both sides.

This folded structure can be derived in the plane or as a frame (cylindrical) structure, and
it is a combination of the folded structure above the rectangular base and 12 of the radial
construction.

Example of a Combined folded structure formed by a cylindrical folded structure and ½ of a Dome
structure

A complicated spatial shape is a folded structure performed on an irregular foundation. The

shift in a range of the folded structure accompanying the base width is what distinguishes
this sort of folded construction.

Each triangular member of a fold has a different shape throughout the development of such
folded structures (size). This folded structure is created by adapting a cylindrical folded
structure to the uneven shape of the base.

A folded structure performed on an irregular basis is a complex spatial form. The shift in a
folded structure's range that corresponds to the base width is what distinguishes this sort
of folded construction.

During the creation of such folded structures, each triangular piece of a fold has a different
shape (size). This sort of folded structure is created by modifying a cylindrical folded
structure to the irregular shape of the base

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BASIC ELEMENTS OF FOLDED PLATES :

• The Inclined Plates. o Edge plates which must be used to stiffen the wide plates.
• Stiffeners to carry the loads to the supports and to hold the plates in line.
• Columns to support the structure in the air..

TAPERED FOLDED PLATES:.

Tapered elements can be used to construct folded plate constructions, and only one of many
conceivable combinations is depicted here.

• The key dimension for bending strength is the height of the shells at the centre of
the span. As a result of the extra height required for the large ends, the structure is
inefficient and unsuitable for lengthy spans.
• The key dimension for bending strength is the height of the shells at the centre of
the span. As a result of the extra height required for the large ends, the structure is
inefficient and unsuitable for lengthy spans..
• Shear transmission from the small end of the triangular plate to the large end is
another weak point in this design. Load transfer may be challenging if a significant
number of units are used in each span.
• A folded plate can be utilized as a thin structural element for walls. Laying each plate
flat on the floor and filling the joints with grout concrete. This form of wall can be
significantly thinner than a flat wall.

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FOLDED PLATE TRUSS:

The phrase "folded plate truss" refers to the structural behaviour of this structure.

• There are horizontal ties throughout the width of the building only at the ends.
• The thrusts from the triangular crossing arches are carried to the ends
longitudinally.
• The ridge member forms the
top chord of the inclined
truss.
• The ridge member forms the
top chord of the inclined
truss.
• Because this is a true space
structure with the structural
motion displayed, the
architectural appearance is
more nuanced than the
typical shell structure.

FOLDED PLATE RIGID FRAME:

A Rigid Frame is an arch made up of straight pieces.

• Because the bending moments are larger, it is less efficient than the curved arch.
• Ties across the plates are necessary at the knees and crown to disperse forces at the
ends of each section.

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EDGE SUPPORTED FOLDED PLATES:

If the edge plate is replaced by a series of columns, the typical upturned edge plate can be
deleted, and the roof structure can be made to appear very thin.

• The slab between columns must be planned as a beam, and the main roof slab may
be extended as a Cantilever
Canopy.
• The beam element that
bears the load of the roof
between columns will then
be wider, and windows
under the slab will serve
the same purpose as in the
earlier folded plate
examples.

WALLS CONTINUOUS WITH SHELL:

• The walls of this edifice are tilt-up concrete; concrete is cast flat on the floor and
cranes hoist it into place.
• The walls are intended to run parallel to the roof plates. Tilt-up walls are typically
connected by poured-in-place columns. Because the walls are braced at the top,
columns are not required at the junction of the individual side wall panels in this
design.
• Because they are held at the top by the shell and operate as vertical beams rather as
Cantilever Retaining, tilt-up walls can be constructed for this lateral load
• Because they are held at the top by the shell and operate as vertical beams rather
than Cantilever Retaining Walls, tilt-up walls can be constructed for this lateral
stress..

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THREE SEGMENT FOLDED PLATE:

• The forces generated by the reactions of the sloping plates on these inflexible
frames will be quite large, and they will not be balanced by thrusts from adjacent
plates at an outer column.
• Instead of deep Girders as in the previous example, the end stiffeners are rigid
frames.
• The size of the frames can be lowered by concealing a steel tie between the tops
of the columns in the fenestration. The proportions of the plates are determined
by the width of the barrel as well as the span.

THE APPLICATION OF FOLDED STRUCTURES

1. For use as a floor structure Folded structures can be used to create floor constructions.
This form of construction employs a variety of materials, including reinforced concrete,
steel sheets, and wood.
The mezzanine ceiling structure is
built as a wooden folded structure
with a trapezoidal crease and
veneer (plywood) pieces, with
horizontal parts of the folded
structure made of solid wood.
This "Trofdek" ceiling, which was
trademarked in England, is a tiny
version of the folded framework.

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Trapezoidal steel sheet can be used to create mezzanine ceilings. This style of ceiling is
a folded steel sheet construction. The load can be received and transmitted separately
by the trapezoidal sheet, which represents a linked structure when combined with
concrete.

2. As a wall Structure

• Walls can be designed and built as folded

structures because folding creates a
robust structure that can withstand
enormous vertical and horizontal
impacts, allowing for remarkable height
of the wall fabric.
• When compared to the height of the
building, this sort of folded construction
provides an efficient solution and
sensible use of material due to its
geometry. Reinforced concrete can be
used to create walls that are folded
constructions.
• The church of Notre Dame in Royan,
France, was erected using this structure
in 1958, with walls made in the form of
folded in "V" shapes of reinforced
concrete.
• They serve as the foundation for viable
galleries that play a beneficial role in the
diaphragm.
• Notre Dame in Royan, France (folded
wall construction)

3. As a sheet piles
• Retaining walls are used to absorb the horizontal force of the ground's impact.
The high rigidity of vertical folded structures has impacted their application in
reinforced concrete retaining walls. The use of a folding wall results in a more
cost-effective retaining wall and a lower consumption of materials - reinforced
concrete.
• Securing foundation pits, especially if the ground is wet, is more commonly done
with profiled steel sheet piles, and this method of security also symbolises the
use of folding.
• Retaining walls are used to absorb the horizontal force of the ground's impact.
The high rigidity of vertical folded structures has impacted their application in

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 reinforced concrete retaining walls. The use of a folding wall results in a more
cost-effective retaining wall and a lower consumption of materials - reinforced
concrete.
• Securing foundation pits, especially if the ground is wet, is more commonly done
with profiled steel sheet piles, and this method of security also symbolises the
use of folding.

FOLDED STRUCTURES ARE DIVIDED BY THE MATERIAL FROM WHICH THEY ARE MADE:

Folded structures are classified into reinforced concrete, wood, metal, glass, and plastic materials
(polycarbonate, synthetic resin reinforced with glass fibres, polyester resin, and so on) based on their
substance. Their capacity, conceivable form, and application are determined by the material from
which they are produced.

1. Reinforced concrete folded structures:

The most typical form of the crease is a "V" shape, the static height of which depends on the range
and load. Folded structures of boards that require casing are often constructed of wood.

Double plating is required when the slope of the plate is more than 30°. The dimensions of folded
plates are not limited in this situation. The installation of reinforced concrete folded structures built
of composite slabs allows for the formation of various shapes of reinforced concrete folds.

1.1 Reinforced concrete truss folded structures

1.2 Reinforced concrete folded structure performed using full-wall and lattice bearers

2. Metal folded structures:

Trapezoidal sheet or truss can be used to create metal folded structures.

Folded metal, steel, or aluminium constructions are made up of belts and diagonal infilling bars.
Such folded structures do not necessitate the use of formwork or powerful pumps. Deformation and
stability are critical considerations in the construction of metal truss systems. The height of a
trapezoidal plate influences the size of a range that can also accommodate its load capacity.

2.1 Steel sheet floor folding construction

2.2 Steel truss lattice folded structures

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3. Folded wood structures:

• Due to the constraints of conquering large ranges, as well as the loss of world reserves of
wood, wood was confined by other materials (steel, reinforced concrete).
• The application of new technical solutions addressed the shortcomings of wood as a
material, allowing for a greater use of wood and wood products in modern construction.
• Wooden folded structures are simple to transport, handle, and assemble. This type of
prefabricated folds can be classified into two types based on the principal supporting
structure of a fold segment: panel and truss.

4. Glass-folded structures:

• Wall, roof, and floor constructions can be built using glass alone or in combination with
other materials. Under the force of pressure, an independent glass plate deforms - it flares
up - and so, in order to prevent the deformation of a glass plate, we associate it with another
element.
• Glass constructions for a cylindrical folded structure are possible up to a range of 12 m. This
structure is made of glass triangular parts with links made of metal braces.

5. Folded constructions of plastic materials:

Polyester resin-based products were widely employed in the second half of the twentieth
century. In actuality, folded constructions have been generated from individual flat plate
pieces or through the coupling of spatial elements of "V" or "" shape folds with flat plate
elements. This form of folded structure, composed of polyester resin, has been used in the
construction of garden centre facilities.

FOLDED PLATE STRUCTURE BENEFITS AND DISADVANTAGES:

Advantages:

o Extremely light structure. The shell thickness required to span 30 m is merely 60 mm.

o Using concrete as a building material lowers both material and construction costs.

o A longer span is available.

o Flat shapes can be created by combining certain arched shapes.

o It is more aesthetically pleasing than other types of building.

Disadvantages:

o It is difficult to close the shutter.

o Formwork accuracy must be improved.

o Good labour and supervision are required.

o Roof rise could be a disadvantage.

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CASE STUDY - FOLDED PLATE STRUCTURE:

Chapel at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, USA

o Architect: Walter Netsch

o Length: 280 ft, Height: 150 ft, Width: 84 ft

o Year: 1962 o Total Area: 5097.6 square meters

The 3,000-acre Academy, located at an elevation of 6500 feet to the east of the Rocky
Mountains, also includes accommodation for 8,000 people, a supply centre, a hospital, an
airfield, and an academic structure that rises up the slope of the site.

Due to the slope, this programme is divided into three levels, with the Administration
Building, Social Centre, and Cadet Chapel on the to pmost level.

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Chapel Plans:

A monumental construction system was used in the design of a massive religious institution.
Seventeen rows of spires soar 150 feet high, resulting in seventeen points shooting into the sky above,
with repetition used to amplify the tremendous essence of each gigantic spire. These spires are
employed in conjunction with the structure's tubular steel frame, which is made up of 100 identical
tetrahedrons.

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Architecture Construction:
• The main structure of this facility is made up of triangular plates - metal panels that
are folded together. The construction is made up of 100 tetrahedral parts that were
taken from the workshop and built on the spot.
• The construction is a tubular
steel frame made up of 100
identical tetrahedrons, each 75
feet (23 metres) long, weighing
five tonnes, and covered in
aluminium panels.
• The tetrahedrons are positioned
one foot apart, leaving gaps in
the framework that are filled
with one-inch-thick (25 mm)
coloured glass
•

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• The Cadet Chapel is 150 feet (46 metres) tall, 280 feet (85 metres) long, and 84 feet
(26 metres) broad. On the southern front façade, a large granite stairway with steel
railings capped with aluminium handrails leads up one floor to a landing.
• ·A belt of gold anodized aluminium doors and gold anodized aluminium sheets
appear to hide original windows on the landing..

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THANKYOU
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