Design of a deployable foldable structure using lightweight prefabricated materials

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Roghayyeh Haghi 1
Tahereh Akbari 2
Ghader Alipour 3
Negin Yari 4
Yavar Rostamzadeh 5
1 Master's student in Architectural Engineering, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
2 Department of Architecture Engineering, Ard. C., Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran.
3 Graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
4 Graduated with a Master's degree in Architectural Engineering, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
5 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili.
10.22034/he.2026.586539.1231
Abstract
Due to population growth, urbanization, and the increasing need for housing, the use of modern construction technologies, especially prefabricated systems, has become important. Among these, deployable and expandable structures – a type of transformable structure that changes configuration from a compact, packaged state to an operational, expanded state – have gained attention. Important advantages of these structures include modularization, transportability, speed of execution, cost reduction, and high flexibility. This research aims to investigate and present a novel solution in the design of prefabricated, expandable, foldable, and portable houses based on the Light Steel Frame (LSF) system. The research methodology includes library studies, analysis of similar examples, and structural simulation using engineering software. The results show that using modular design, flexible connections, and modern construction technologies can increase efficiency, reduce construction time and costs, and improve the structural performance of such buildings. Furthermore, the use of standard components, rapid assembly systems, and lightweight materials enables easy transport of these structures. Finally, this research provides a framework for developing deployable, expandable prefabricated houses with high adaptability that can be effectively used in crisis situations, as temporary shelters, in construction projects, and as mobile homes for tourism projects.
Keywords
Deployable structure
prefabricated folding house
light steel frame (LSF)
Transportable structure
Subjects
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