2003 Archive - Please Note: This is last year's information.

PreConference

Pre-Conference seminars (separate registration).

Light Weight Shelters in Acrylic Concrete (1 day)

Presenters: Dr. Albert Knott, Michael Barrett, Dr. George Nez and Charles Keys

This seminar will present the conceptual design of habitable shelters, utility buildings, water tanks and tank covers utilizing light weight, acrylic modified concrete on stretched fiberglass or cloth membranes. This shell membrane building technique has unique application in settings where technical expertise is limited or non-existent. Thus its most logical application is in rebuilding war torn villages, in housing in under-developed countries, and for human use in rural,native or jungle environments.

Discussions will include analysis, construction, and testing techniques, and the use of locally available materials. The topics covered will be HP shell roofs, arched roof shelters, water tanks and basins, and domed tank and basin covers. The construction materials and strength properties of acrylic concrete will be discussed. Examples of land use planning will be presented in the development of habitable spaces, market areas and town layouts using the acrylic concrete construction technique for housing, water and sanitation, and for water storage for agricultural purposes.

We're planning to take two half days making a roof (Monday and
Tuesday), and on the third day install it on walls made in the Earth
Construction seminar.

Handouts on special topics will be available.

Time: 2 to 4 hours