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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute, 1965. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 78-79). Also available via the Internet.

An experimental and finite element investigation of the behavior of single-span, simply-supported folded plate structures containing rectangular openings is summarized. A seven-plate aluminum model was tested under a uniform load of 40.26 psf. on the horizontal surfaces. Six different cases are analyzed by changing the number, size, and location of the holes. The results of only the two extreme cases, no-hole and 12-hole analyses, are presented. Good agreement is shown between experimental and theoretical solutions, thus the validity of the finite element analysis is established in dealing with cutouts in folded plate structures. A comparison of experimental results and analytical results, obtained by the finite element method of analysis, is made and the effects of the holes on the behavior of the structure are discussed. Recommendations for future research are indicated. / Master of Science

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1985 A35 / Master of Science

Concrete folded plate structures have gained increasing use and popularity in the United States during the past fifteen years. They have proved to be especially economical in the construction of longspan roof systems. The folded plate shape has come into wide use because of its low coat of construction for long spans, high load carrying capacity, and rigidity. Moreover, the folded plate structure hu the structural advantage of thin shelled, curved surface structures, and is much easier and less expensive to construct than the latter. With reference to folded plate structures continuous over a support, the problem arises of relating the geometry of the folded plates to a number of points along the entire length of the plate edges, in an attempt to find the true condition of stress at these points, and to find the contribution of each stress condition to the overall effect. The investigation of this thesis consists of analyzing a reinforced folded plate concrete roof, continuous with overhang. The method of analysis used is that of successive iteration, i.e. balancing angle changes against internal moments and/or stresses. This method is similar to one presented by Howard Simpson - “Design of Folded Plate Roofs” - in the ASCE Proceedings, Vol. 84, January, 1958, but extended to apply to the cantilevered folded plates. / Master of Science

Ph. D.

A general method of analysis is developed for the solution of single or continuous span folded plate surfaces, with general end conditions, for any load. By considering the folded plate surface as a single, longitudinal unit throughout the analysis, the continuity of the surface is maintained over transverse supports, Within the limitations of the assumptions, this method yields an "exact" solution of the structural action based upon a difference technique in which the surface is divided into : segments: combatibility of the surface is insured at the center of each finite segment along the span and over the supports. A computer program for the analysis of simply supported, © single-span and continuous-span folded plate surfaces, with and without overhangs at each end, under three load conditions is described. A comparison is made between this general method of analysis and presently accepted techniques; and a final solution for a continuous folded plate surface is presented. The results of an experimental investigation to study the behavior of four different folded plate structures and to verify the general method of analysis are discussed. / Ph. D.