Building Advice

[IslandTractor]

What about using steel shipping containers? There are many websites that show you how to use them as structures or just place them side by side or end to end and use each one for a different purpose. They are very secure and strong.

Also very expensive to transport from port to interior.

Really, there is a reason locals build the way they do. Usually relates to best value and functional design consistent with local needs and economy. Why try to reinvent the wheel?

 

[Alright71]

IslandTractor, yes, i agree with you, to bend against the corrugations will create problems...that i why i was thinking of using them in a horizontal configuration so that the bend of the structure would go with the corrugations. Does this make sense? It is a bit contrary to the normal practice of this type of roofing. Instead of standing the sheets on the short edge so that they are 3M high, i would stand them on the long edge.

For those who are wondering why i am considering not using the local construction methods, the answer is simple. This structure exceeded the limits of the materials of the traditional methods. Also, traditional methods are not safe as walls will unexpectedly collapse. Again, i agree with you, there is a reason they do what they do. But in this instance, the reason is poverty and not a concern for safety, longevity or strength.

I really like the sea container idea, and yes, that is very secure storage! In-fact in this part of Africa, a container is considered to be the most secure kind of storage. Unfortunately, because of the supply vs. demand, the price for them is exorbitant.

Please keep the ideas flowing!

Blake

 

[forgeblast]

What local materials do you have in abundence? You said you can get the steel pipe, what else is available, what do the locals use?

 

[Verticaltrx]

Verticaltrx, what would you recommend using for the walls? The load bearing structure would be metal but then do you think i should use the dirt blocks to fill in the front, back and sides?

That just depends on your budget. If you can afford it the quickest and easiest method would be to run horizontal girts on the walls (made from angle, tube, whatever) and screw corrugated metal to it. It would go up real quick that way and be more weather proof.

 

[IslandTractor]

Even if local designs are weak, it is better to figure out ways to strengthen them than to adopt a completely different building strategy. In poor countries people build structures that are often not expected to last very long. The cost of building a strong structure is usually more than building a cheap one so the cheap one gets built. For example, in many or most poor countries, when bricks are used they are set in a single course without any reinforcement except at the corners. Simply using dual interlocked courses of brick and making sure that the corners are appropriately reinforced with adequate rebar can substantially improve matters. Adding a little rebar in the middle of the wall wouldn't hurt either. I'm sure there are masons or web sites on building that would explain some of the things necessary to strengthen walls. Any structural engineer could help and I know there are organizations like Architects without Borders that would be happy to share experience with adapting local building techniques. Check out some of the innovative construction proposed as replacements after the Haiti earthquake that destroyed hundreds of thousands of these poorly engineered local homes.

Regarding the use of corrugated steel roof material in a sideways orientation: That would be fine if you just want to keep out the sun but it will leak like a sieve. You have to overlap the material so rain cannot get in and using the panels turned 90 degrees will not work.

 

[woodlandfarms]

I am sure the Internet is hard to come by where you are, but there are some very cutting edge yet highly practical building schemes going on in disadvantaged areas. Look for materials that pack flat for highest load in shipping containers. Quonsets curved pieces take up a lot of shipping dollars. Look to multi use your building. (school, hospital, housing) as well as ag. Use the roof to collect water,

There is a lot of grant money out there but it seems to be tied to multi purpose buildings.

Carl

 

[gghb]

steel shipping containers are secure and strong set 2 containers spread apart and build roof between them gives 2 secure areas and open covered storage between

good luck
greg

 

[IslandTractor]

steel shipping containers are secure and strong set 2 containers spread apart and build roof between them gives 2 secure areas and open covered storage between

good luck
greg

As noted earlier, the problem with shipping contrainers is that they are actually quite expensive, especially when delivered inland. The other problem in tropical areas is that they have no ventilation unless you start cutting them up and the containers are unbearably hot unless you essentially build a shell around them to block the sun. Good for secure storage of things that can tolerate baking.

 

[rd_macgregor]

I think the fastest might be steel, but you might want to look a bit more into the CEB option. Rammed earth structures can be quite sturdy and long-lived if made properly. The advent of the CINVA ram (in the 60's?) made this kind of building a bit easier to put together, since you didn't need the form work nor all that tamping! I have to admit that I was surprised that a hand-operated earth block machine costs $1500(!!) considering its relatively simple mechanism.
Of course, this requires that the local earth be within the right range of proportions of sand/loam/clay. Also, my recollection is that adding 10% cement to the earth adds considerable water resistance to the blocks, though a really good overhang, good tight roof protection and foundation drainage is usually enough (after all, traditional adobe bricks don't have cement in them and last a really long time if you keep the rain off them).

BOB

 

[rd_macgregor]

I stumbled on another CEB resource, if you are still considering it.
Cinva Ram Compressed Earth Block Press Plans

They are selling plans for welding up a CINVA ram, but also include with the plans a CD with what looks like a plethora of additional information about CEB and related technologies.

Still, if you decided against CEB, this might be $50 wasted!

BOB