Folded Structures in Modern Architecture PDF
Folded Structures in Modern Architecture PDF
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1. INTRODUCTION
There are different ways of constructing folded structure in terms of their forms and
the application of different materials they are made of. Based on the research and analysis
of the formal potential of the folded constructions the systematization of folded structures
was done in terms of shape and geometry. The term folded structure defines a folded form
of construction, including structures made of plates and structures made of sticks which
make a folded form by their mutual relationship in space. Some authors [5] also call a
folded structure the origami construction.
The shape of folded structures affects the transmission of load and direction of relying
of folded structures. Based on these parameters we can do the division in (Fig. 2):
linear folded plate structure,
radial folded plate structure,
spatial folded plate structure.
4 N. ŠEKULARAC, J. IVANOVIĆ ŠEKULARAC, J. ČIKIĆ TOVAROVIĆ
Fig. 2. Division of folded structures according to the direction of relying (Šekularac, 2010)
Combined folded constructions are carried out over the complex geometric basis,
formed by the combination of simple geometric figures, rectangles and semicircles on one
side or both sides. This type of folded structure can be derived in the plane or as a frame
(cylindrical) structure, and represents a combination of folded structure above the
rectangular base and ½ of the radial construction (Fig. 3).
Folded structure performed over an irregular basis is a complex spatial form. What
characterizes this type of folded construction is the change of a range of the folded
structure accompanying the base width. During the formation of such folded structures
each triangular element of a fold has a different shape (size). This type of folded structure
is formed by adjusting cylindrical folded structure to the irregular shape of the base.
By the method of execution folded structures can be divided into structures that are
performed on site and prefabricated structures, which are produced in factories and
Folded Structures in Modern Architecture 5
assembled on site. If it is a large span structure, the elements are not fully performed in
the factory, but it is imposed as a solution the performance of elements in the form of
smaller segments for easier transport and installation on site.
Fig. 4. Air Force Academy Chapel, Colorado Springs, USA, architect Walter Netsch,
year 1962 [28]
Mezzanine ceilings can be made from trapezoidal steel sheet [6]. This type of ceiling
represents folded construction made of steel sheets. Trapezoidal sheet can independently
receive and transmit the load, and together with concrete represents coupled structure.
In the design of bridges with large spans, it is important to design the construction that
will meet all the defined conditions of stability and deformation. Folded form of
construction has found its application in cases where the space among the supports of
bridge structures is very large and it is necessary to transfer great load on the bridge
support. The formation of "V" or trapezoid folded over which is executed the floor
pavement, represents a remarkable engineering undertaking [9].
Walls can be designed and carried out as folded structures, since by folding we get a
solid construction that can accept large vertical and horizontal impacts, which enables
exceptional height of the wall fabric. This type of folded structures, due to their geometry,
provides an economical solution and the rational use of material when compared to the
height of the building.
Walls made as folded structures can be materialized in reinforced concrete. Facility
constructed with this structure is the church of Notre Dame, the city of Royan, France,
1958, with the walls built in the form of folded in "V" shape of reinforced concrete. Viable
galleries, which have a constructive role of the diaphragm, are built on them (Fig. 6).
Folded Structures in Modern Architecture 7
Fig. 6. Appearance of Notre Dame, Royan, France, the architect Guillaume Gillet, 1958. [24]
The application of profiled sheet is also present when performing light wall partitions.
If the partition wall of plaster cardboard has great height, the classical form of
substructure in CW or UA profile cannot satisfy the condition of necessary rigidity and
therefore it is introduced as a substructure another kind of a substructure in the form of
plates of trapezoidal sheet on the total height of the projected wall. These plates of the
trapezoidal sheet represent vertical folded construction made of steel sheet. Covering with
plaster slabs is done over this substructure. Within such wall there is still room for
thermal and sound insulation as well as space to run the installation. This wall can be run
up to 10.0m of height, even as a fire wall.
The largest application of folded structures is in the formation of trapezoidal sheet.
This type of folded structure can absorb and receive the load without introducing
additional structure. Application of trapezoidal sheet, except as roofing, is in making the
thermal insulation of roof and wall sandwich panels.
The installation of reinforced concrete folded structures made of composite slabs en-
ables to form different shapes of folds in reinforced concrete [23]. When creating ele-
ments in plants, plating that is used is very simple.
On site during the formation of folded it is necessary to connect joints of plates. Thick-
ness affects the way of monolithization in such a way that thin plates have more complicated
monolthization of the joints as a result of a lack of space for their mutual connection. Folded
structures can also be formed if we get one plane of the folds by joining several smaller ele-
ments, including a larger number of compounds by monolithization. In some cases, in addi-
tion to monolithization of the compounds, it is also necessary to pre-stress.
4.3.3 Panel folded construction with lattice, frame and arched supporting structure of wood
Element of panel folded structure can have a lattice, frame and arched structure, as a
supporting structure. This type of panel elements means that both sides must always have
set a full covering over the supporting structure.
Interconnections between full-wall panels as structural elements of the folded structure
can be achieved by joining two panels: with bolts, screws indirectly over the wooden
element, screws indirectly through the metal fittings.
12 N. ŠEKULARAC, J. IVANOVIĆ ŠEKULARAC, J. ČIKIĆ TOVAROVIĆ
Fig. 10. Installation of packages of folded bearers, Sports Hall in Medveđa, the designer
of the construction LKV Center, 2001. [27]
Lattice folded structures can be made from the rods of glued laminated wood. They
are used for large spans, even over 30 m. For such structures it is necessary to design and
prepare a special shackle for interconnection of wooden elements in the formation of roof
folded structure. The specificity of this type of lattice structure is that in places of the
deflections and hip there is no duplication of rods, as elements of adjacent planes of folds
which contain the grids. Characteristics of such folded structures are large cross-sections
of the band sticks (hip and the deflection). This type of construction is mounted from
individual elements and on site.
Formation of folded structures using wooden trusses is a modern technical and
technological solution that overcomes the shortcomings of spatial structures made of
concrete. Folded structures formed by using timber trusses can satisfy the high aesthetic
requirements [7]. Wood as a natural material meets the high environmental requirements
that any modern design must meet, and in view of obtaining natural materials as an
Folded Structures in Modern Architecture 13
energy-cheap products and its possible recycling, which fits in with current trends in
sustainable development.
Roofs formed in this way, as three-dimensional roof structures, are performed by the
installation of pre-produced elements - wooden trusses, with unified compounds, and that
enables industrial production of wooden trusses as the elements of folded structure (Fig.
11). The pursuit of such economic and more rational construction resulted in the selection
of wood as a building material with excellent physical, mechanical and aesthetic properties.
Installation of structures with these light elements provides convenient working on building
sites and efficient installation.
Fig. 11. Mounted prototype of cylindrical folded structure formed by using wooden
trusses as the elements of folded structure, Fair in Budva, author architect Nenad
Šekularac, Budva, Montenegro, 2005. [17]
5. CONCLUSION
Spatial system of constructions consisting of flat elements mutually set at an angle
represents a folded construction. First folded structures are related to reinforced concrete
structures and for long time there has been present a prejudice that this type of
construction can be performed only in that material. In the second half of the twentieth
century folded structures were made of other materials: steel, wood, polyester resin and
glass, and in their combination.
Applying the principles of unification and systematization as basic elements of the
structural system, with a few different elements you get a flexible system of building
folded structures in terms of technology and facilitate the process of production, transport
and installation of folded structures.
In terms of design and visual effect forming folded structures by using different materials
interesting forms and design solutions can be obtained. That makes the structures obtained in
this way different and special compared to other, less complex, spatial forms.
Folded Structures in Modern Architecture 15
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