Title: Renaissance of paper models and folded plate structures in glass

Authors: Stefan Trometer, Mathias Krupna

Addresses: Chair for Metal Structures, Technische Universitat Munchen, Arcisstrasse 21, 80333 Munich, Germany. ' Chair for Metal Structures, Technische Universitat Munchen, Arcisstrasse 21, 80333 Munich, Germany

Abstract: This paper presents the development of glass folded plate structures. Glass will not only be used as a transparent covering but as a load-bearing element for the whole structure. A complete outline ranging from the architectural approach including simple paper models to structural analysis will be presented. The structural concept and its functional characteristics will be confirmed by finite element analysis. Moreover, this paper will also put into focus the geometrical diversity and individuality and will present mathematical algorithms as definitions of the geometrical freeform.

Keywords: structural engineering; modern glass structures; geometrical diversity; folded plate structure; paper models; rhombus-wing-element; freeform geometry; structural glazing; structural sealant; transparent covering; load-bearing element; finite element analysis; FEA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTRUCTE.2010.033488

International Journal of Structural Engineering, 2010 Vol.1 No.3/4, pp.361 - 373

Published online: 02 Jun 2010 *

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