Phase I Report on Folded Plate Construction

The various methods of analysis of folded plates, proposed to 1963, are reviewed and summarized. First consideration goes to the simple beam theories that neglect the effect of relative joint displacement, as in the original work by Ehlers and Craemer in Germany in the 1930's, that was subsequently introduced in the United States by Winter and Pei. This report then evaluates the more exact methods of analysis correcting for relative joint displacement subsequently developed by Gruber, Vlassov, Gaafar, Simpson, and Yitzhaki. Finally, the elasticity approach of Goldberg and Leve is considered. As a result of the study, the Committee recommends the use of the ordinary theory with correction for relative joint displacements. Methods in this acceptable category include those of Vlassov, Gaafar, Gaafar as modified by Simpson, Portland Cement Association Bulletin #3, and, finally, Yitzhaki. The report summarizes a method of analysis based on Gaafar's original paper and includes a numerical example for greater clarity. The Committee has also sponsored and recommends an article on folded plate analysis by Yitzhaki. A very complete Bibliography of the subject of folded plates both in English and other languages is included.