Folded structures in modern architecture

Abstract

Folded structures are three-dimensional structures - spatial structures and they belong to the structural systems. The term folded structure defines a folded form of construction, including structures derived from elements which form a folded structure by their mutual relationship in space. For very long time this type of construction has been realized in practice only in of reinforced concrete and made on site, which conditioned the use of a very complicated shell. Development of prefabricated building led to improvements of this type of construction so that the folded structures could be derived by assembly of prefabricated elements and their relationship - monolithization on site. Development of the research of folded structures, starting from their earliest days to today, followed the innovations and latest developments in terms of applied materials and methods of connection. The tendency for the cost effective and quicker construction pushed the folded structures made in reinforced concrete, and led to the construction realized in wood, steel and other modern materials that eventually experienced expansion.