Development of modular deployable composite shelters

Abstract

In the 1980's, Strarch developed a post-tensioned steel building frame system that has since been applied to many large structures around the world. The system incorporates prefabricated truss frames that are flat in the assembled position with all services and cladding fixed. The frames are erected in their final arched position by a post-tensioning stressing procedure with cables passing through the bottom chord (Strarch, 2001). A research programme was developed to extend the existing Strarch concept by developing a system with dramatically improved deployment characteristics. There was early recognition that the use of fibre composite materials in this system would probably be necessary. This paper provides a review of developments in deployable shelter technology, followed by a review of key performance and design criteria. The development of structural concepts to meet these criteria is then discussed. (Introduction)