World Applied Sciences Journal 24 (4): 497-502, 2013 ISSN 1818-4952 © IDOSI Publications, 2013 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wasj.2013.24.04.112 Corresponding Author: Rohamezan Rohim, UiTM P.Pinang, Malaysia. 497 Structural Behaviour of Origami Inspired Folded Shell Surface Rohamezan Rohim, Kok Keong Choong and Thavaraj Jeevaratnam 1 2 3 UiTM P.Pinang 1 USM Nibong Tebal 2 Graduate Student 3 Submitted: Feb 11, 2013; Accepted: Mar 20, 2013; Published: Aug 18, 2013 Abstract: Paper folding art provides rich idea for application inshell and spatial structures. The combination of shell surface and folded straight lines is an excellent exampleof source of idea for shell and spatial structure. Such structural form combines the advantage of superior load carrying capacity of shell structure and aesthetical value of created by the folds. The structural behaviour of shell surface with curved folds line (SSCFL) originated previous researcheris presented in this study. Two types of curve with four parameters affecting the surfaces have been investigated. The procedures for plan configuration and surface measurement have been proposed. The best model in term of aesthetic value from the folded surface models has been chosen for analysis under self-weight condition. Highest deflection has been found to occur at the centre of the surface with the lowest deflection observed in the case of fixed support. The in-plane tensile stresses are found to have exceeded the limit. However, the compressive and out-of-plane shear stresses have been found to be within the limit of the material used. High stresses have been found to occur around the curved folds and at the convergent points of the curved folds of the models. The upward and downward curved folds of the surface experience tension and compression, respectively. The ground and top supports experienced the highest value of shear stress. Key words: Shell surface Folded plate Origami Curved fold line INTRODUCTION curvature of shell surface and geometries of folded plates Shell structures has contributed huge impact to the Chinese art of paper folding or origami. The combination engineering field and became landmark in many of the curve and folding could provide an amazing countries.The capability to carryload by combining aesthetical structural form or art especially when the stretching and bending effects makesthe shell vertices of the folding paper join at several folds [3]. structure among the best selection for roof systems [1]. Many types of surface structures have been inspired from The variation of thickness from thin to thick shell the ability and flexibility of origami to create various forms governed the effect of bending and the aesthetical value and shapes. of the shell. On the other side, folded plate structure also Intensive studies on shell surface and folded plate have became one of the best choices for the roofing systems. been carried out throughout the years. Nevertheless the It is well known that the load carrying capacity, work on origami, the folding method and the creation of stiffness and the strength of a flat and thin structure complex formshave been enhanced and improved from increased if the surface is folded. The span-to-depth ratio time to time. However, the studies on the combination of will determine the effectiveness of the folded plate those three fields for structural use purpose are still structure towards the load carrying capacity.That is the lacking. Recently, Buri et al. [4] have proposed new reasons many types of folded plate have been studied, methods to generate rapidly complex folded plate analysed and built [2]. Folded plates can also be found in structures that can be built with cross laminated timber concrete stairs, folded lampshades and lanterns, panels. A.Razzack [5] conducted a pioneer study on corrugated sheet pile and others. The richness of the folded shell surface found in nature. were commonly found in the ancient Japanese and