A method to design stone structures based on origami

The equivalence between first order kinematic compatibility and equilibrium of forces that appears in studying origami is used as a starting point to propose a method for the design of structures made of stone blocks, possibly reinforced by steel bars. The equivalence is demonstrated under the assumption of small changes in the folding of an origami model. External forces that were not previously identified appear. Those forces are configuration dependent and are essential for the subject at issue. The role played by the choice of the reference configuration of the folding model is also put in a new light. The design method is set in the framework of limit analysis, with failures occurring possibly only at the interfaces between blocks. Its purpose is to help in defining a subdivision of a given volume into blocks that is safe under given loads. A set of propositions is put forward for the design of structures made of blocks, from fragmented slabs to fragmented shells, reinforced with rebars or not. Illustrative examples are provided.

Automated summary

The equivalence between first order kinematic compatibility and equilibrium of forces is used to propose a design method for stone block structures. The method is based on the assumption of small changes in the folding of an origami model and considers configuration-dependent external forces. The choice of reference configuration and limit analysis are also important factors in the design. Illustrative examples are provided for different types of structures.