Origami Inspired Deployable &Movable Bridge for Disaster Relief

Using the latest technical developments in structural engineering, the basic mechanisms of the buckling and post-buckling response of a thin cylindrical shell under torsional or compression loading are reviewed. The deflection response deep into the large-deflection range is considered such that the shell is allowed to fold into a flat two dimensional form, via a mechanism reminiscent of a deployable or folding structure. The critical and initial post-buckling of Origami-folding effects are explored using the concepts of energy minimization and hidden symmetries. The concept is developed using Origami that is applied to a rapidly deployable, foldable, and movable bridge systems for multipurpose uses, predominantly in disaster relief for refugees and displaced people, is investigated. The concept for the structure has been inspired from Origami understanding and applying a scissors mechanism, a principle using linked, folding supports in a criss-cross 'X' pattern as a basic unit in the structural system. We review this new type of bridge system resulting in the Mobile bridge proposition which has the advantages of both simultaneously serving the specific purpose of providing relief for displaced people in times of need and in emergency situations.

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