Experimental and Analytical Investigation of the Spin-Valence Kirigami Space Frame

Spin-Valence is a pattern-logic that transforms a flat sheet of material into a structural space frame. Through cut patterns, spin-folds and encoded connections, a single layer effectively becomes two layers connected via triangulated legs. Unlike most space frame systems, this method is not a series of connected members, but one single sheet, cut and folded (kirigami), and reconnected to itself [1]. This work presents experimental tests conducted on steel versions of square Spin-Valence units and multi-unit assemblies to evaluate their structural behavior and capacity. Test results are compared with analytical predictions to propose a performance-oriented design framework relating geometric variables of the frame elements to the stiffness and strength of potential assembly configurations.