Analysis of profiled sheet shells as a system of folds

It is possible to shape shells of flat profiled sheets thanks to their high geometrical orthotropy. A general method of geometrical shaping of shells is presented in brief. The method can be applied to build any shells of flat profiled sheets. A computer programme enables the determination of shell generatrices and other shell lines necessary for the design of shells. The structural analysis of flat roofs made of profiled sheeting is normalised. According the standards, an analysis of sheets consists in verifying individual folds as sheeting members. In shells, the shape and dimensions of individual folds are longitudinally variable, and folds are inclined longitudinally and transversely. Research has shown that twist of folds does not have significant impact on their stiffness.