Analysis of Continuous Folded Plate Surface

A general method of analysis of single or continuous span folded plate surfaces, with general end conditions, for any loading condition is developed. Within the limitations of the assumptions, this method yields an exact solution of the structural behavior of the folded plate based on a difference technique in which the surface is divided in segments: Compatibility of the surface is assured at the center of each finite segment and at the line of transverse supports. In addition, a computer program for the analysis of simply supported or continuous folded plate surfaces, with or without cantilevered ends, for three load conditions is described. A comparison is made between this general method of analysis and presently accepted techniques for analyzing the simply supported, single-span surface; and the final solution for a continuous folded plate surface is presented.