Origami applications in structural engineering: A look at temporary shelters

Abstract

Origami is an ancient Japanese art that has been circling the globe for centuries. In past, it was used to create simple objects, however, more recent applications have been transitioning through mathematics to science and engineering. Inspirations from origami in the scientific community have led to developments in deploying structures in space, transporting medical devices through the human body, or creating easily foldable and portable shelters. This paper focuses on origami principles applied to structural engineering, in particular, temporary shelters for use in dire situations. Primary motivation comes from the need for sound temporary housing distributed within refugee camps. Three shelters with the following geometries were created: the Yoshimura (diamond) pattern in a tunnel shape, the diamond pattern in a dome shape, and a variation of the Miura-Ori pattern in a tunnel shape. Finite element models of the structures were developed using SAP2000; the models were simulated using Eigenvalue buckling analysis in addition to non-linear static analysis methods. Stress analysis results were used to design the shelters' panel thickness to be made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In addition to the detailed analysis and design results, this paper provides a comparison study of the structural integrity of the three investigated folds. This can potentially benefit the development of lightweight, portable, and sound temporary shelters made use of in severe situations.