geometric intelligence, creating slabs that are stronger because of their shape rather than their mass?
This project builds on successful in-class work from ENGR 314 – Materials and Mechanics, where students designed and tested origami-inspired plates. Many of their designs outperformed traditional flat slabs, demonstrating both feasibility and the strong educational impact of geometric structural design. The proposed project extends this idea into a rigorous research study. The methodology consists of designing, fabricating, and testing 12 different slab geometries. Students will use laser-cut molds to cast gypsum slabs of equal mass but varying crease patterns, including flat, straight-crease, and curved-crease designs. Each geometry will be produced in triplicate to ensure replicability. After a 24-hour curing period, the slabs will undergo three-point bending tests on an Instron machine. This produces load-displacement curves, allowing the research team to quantify stiffness, peak load, and failure modes. A key innovation involves curved-crease forms, which can be difficult to fold in rigid materials. To mitigate this, students will discretize each crease pattern into small, flat facets that fold with minimal actuation force. This reduces strain buildup and increases the reliability of mold construction. The team is supported by a concrete laboratory, a campus MakerSpace for molding fabrication, and lab staff who assist with machining and mechanical testing requirements. The expected outcomes include identifying which geometries maximize strength for a fixed mass, providing concrete evidence that geometric folding can reduce material requirements. Students will also prepare posters and presentations for venues such as the Virginia Academy of Science and undergraduate research symposia. These products strengthen JMU’s culture of undergraduate research and broaden the visibility of sustainable engineering work on campus. Beyond these immediate outcomes, the project creates a pipeline for future research on sustainable construction materials. The findings will inform possible publications in journals such as the ACI Structural Journal or Developments in the Built Environment. Most importantly, this work offers a roadmap for applying advanced geometric concepts to reduce resource consumption in one of the world’s most material-intensive industries.
Benefit to JMU
This project advances several of JMU’s strategic priorities in sustainability, student development, and institutional visibility. By developing a new approach to strengthening concrete slabs through geometry rather than material volume, the project contributes to global sustainability efforts and aligns with CISE’s focus on responsible, efficient engineering. The work also reflects the department’s hands-on approach to education, where students learn through building, testing, and iterating on real structures.
Madison Trust 2026 Project Proposal
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