November_1970 — Page 29

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the folded plate structures into space frames, which are more efficient due to their added stiffness and strength in the third dimension, and can have point loads and supports. Compared to folded plates, space frames also have a higher safety factor because space frames can survive local failure by re- distribution of stresses.

Despite the fact that only identical UFP components are used an excep- tionally high degree of material utilisa- tion may be achieved by selecting a cross section that is efficient both functionally and structurally, by the proper use of tie bars, cables and sup- ports, or if necessary by doubling the components. Moreover the standard UFP components are only dimension- ally identical; they are made in dif- ferent strength grades. For instance, the strength of a UFP component made of a single steel plate is varied by changing plate thickness or steel alloy, while production and erection tech- niques remain unchanged.

Experience in the United States has shown that the most economical com- ponents are made of a single sheet of high strength, galvanized steel or alu- minium. When these components are produced with a high degree of mech- anisation, the cost of the finished pro- duct is estimated to be only about two times material cost.

Similar single-skin components made of glassfibre reinforced plastics (grp) are more expensive, have less strength and need post-tensioning for longer spans; on the other hand their light weight, built-in corrosion resist- ance and colour make grp components well suited to certain applications, es-

Far East BUILDER, November 1970

pecially for translucent structures. Single skin UFP components made of a wood base (plywood, particle-board, high pressure laminates), appear to be quite economical but have not yet been fully evaluated.

Space structures are a significant achievement in man's continuous ef- fort to build more efficiently, using less material with more skill. In prac- tice however, some of the material savings are often cancelled by the high- er cost of using that skill, due to com- plex engineering problems of one-of-a- kind projects. The UFP system at tempts to eliminate this drawback by maximum standardisation. With the dimensions and strength grades of the UFP component determined, a great number of feasible assemblies for various loading conditions can be pre- designed in one operation and tabulat- ed for future use.

The erection of UFP structures is extremely simple, no complicated blueprints are needed, the list of parts, including bolts and washer plates and tie bars, having less than ten items. A novel method of ground assembly al- lows a gradual raising without heavy equipment; in fact UFP structures can be raised entirely manually at building sites with no technical readiness. Be- cause the roof and support elements are combined in a single component, the workman who tightens the bolts simultaneously satisfies functional re- quirements of structure and weather shield, and provides immediately habitable spaces. Consequently the eventual development of lightweight, inexpensive, mass produced UFP com- ponent as a do-it-yourself building

panel is considered entirely feasible.

The primary use for UFP com- ponents is in single storey buildings with large undivided interior spaces. Such buildings can be of high architec- tural quality. The folded surface creates an interesting and aesthetically pleasing impression of alternating light and shadow. The folded interior sur- face is near ideal acoustically, which is very important for large halls of all kinds. Therefore UFP structures can be built for such architectural projects as theatres, churches, bowling alleys, shopping centres, showrooms, assemb- ly halls, gymnasiums, sports arenas, restaurants and exhibition halls.

It is for its inherent economics that the system can also be used competi- tively for the building of factories, warehouses, terminals, garages, han- gars, repair shops, silos and other agri- cultural buildings, cantilevered cano- pies for grandstands, filling stations or open-air stages; seasonally dismantled and reassembled enclosures for swim- ming pools or tennis courts; temporary shelters for military personnel, con- struction or farm labour, etc. UFP roofs with long spans and supported by concrete block walls or steel co- lumns, are particularly economical. The components may be translucent, for diffused daylight transmission, or if only one half of each component is made translucent, the roof, properly oriented, can provide shadowless north-light.

The system is designed and manu- factured by Arpad Kolozsvary, pre- sident, International Shell Structures, 180 Morris Avenue, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046, U.S.A.

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