Folded plate construction
Folded plate structures are assemblies of flat plates, or slabs, inclined in different directions and joined along their longitudinal edges. In this way the structural system is capable of carrying loads without the need for additional supporting beams along mutual edges. This technique originated in Germany in the 1920s and became popular in Russia and the United States during the 1930s to construct roofs for industrial warehouses and public buildings.
Modern folded plate structures are typically made of cast in situ or precast reinforced concrete, or steel plate.
They can provide a multitude of shapes and overall forms:
- Prismatic: Rectangular plates.
- Pyramidal: Non-rectangular plates.
- Prismoidal: Triangular or trapezoidal plates.
There are several benefits of folded plate construction. They are simpler to manufacture than other shells such as cylindrical shells, with relatively simple formwork required, and usually use less material. However, folded plates require more materials than curved shells since there is normally more bending involved.
Folded plate structures have an intrinsic rigidity and high load-carrying capacity which makes them economical over long spans that need to be free of internal columns and other obstructions.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Barrel vault.
- Cantilever.
- Cladding for buildings.
- Conoid shell.
- Curtain wall systems.
- Domestic roofs.
- Formwork.
- Long span roof.
- Masonry.
- Pendentive dome.
- Portal frame.
- Purlins.
- Shell roof.
- Structural engineer.
- Suspended ceiling.
- Types of ceiling.
[edit] External references
- ‘Building Construction Handbook’ (6th ed.), CHUDLEY, R., GREENO, R., Butterworth-Heinemann (2007)
Featured articles and news
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Comments