Hypar Thin Shell Concrete Roof (Product Refinement)
Note: This is an experimental type of project for EMI in appropriate technology product development. Interested volunteers should be comfortable with a high degree of ambiguity as EMI explores a new frontier to help the poor and share the gospel.
3 days in May or June
Contact
Craig Hoffman
Team Needs
- Financial Sponsors - Financial support is needed to make this trip possible. Would you be willing to help make this important trip possible with a financial gift?
Project Scope
George Nez developed a unique hyperbolic-paraboloid thin-shelled latex-concrete roof while working for the US Forest service and USAID during the 1970's. The roof is less than an inch thick, but maximizes stress distribution due to its unique shape. Not only can it be walked on, but a demo built in Colorado has withstood the snow loads of over fifteen Rocky Mountain winters. The roofs are quick to construct, durable, simple, cheap and acceptable in many different cultures. They have already been built in a few locations throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America as permanent shelters. And their quick installation and bearing points at the midpoint of each edge also makes them candidates for disaster response transitional shelters as well. TSC Global is now taking the lead with George to further develop and distribute the technology, more of which is available at www.tscglobal.org.
TSC Global needs some help analyzing and modifying the design. They are looking to build these in conjunction with compressed earth blocks (CEB) which requires a two foot eave overhang, changing the bearing point and stresses. More analysis of lateral (wind and earthquake) loads and subsequent stresses is needed, especially for such potential locations as Haiti. Haiti also presents the need to develop non-wood framing options because of a lack of wood, termites and rot. It would also be advantageous to integrate the roof with rain-water capture options.
EMI is interested in helping develop this technology in conjunction with our growing disaster response program, and for design projects in the developing world. This project is an opportunity to help EMI pioneer appropriate technology product development, working hands-on at TSC Global's headquarters in Denver and EMI's Colorado Springs headquarters.
Costs
$US approximately $1200 (depends on airfare and local lodging)
More information on project costs
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