| It's do it yourself cool but, unless the price were miniscule by comparison, I'd rather have a Monolithic Dome Home or something similar. |
|
[email protected]
+44 (0)845 6801908 They don't list prices and are located in the UK. I'm sure shipping and cost per unit is crazy. On the website it seems like they are going after the .mil market and want to do bulk sales. I think its something we could make here. It seems just like plaster of paris type stuff and an inflatable plastic tube/box. |
|
That kicks ass.
Even without the inflatable part, having that material available for constructing other stuff would be a do-it-your-selfer's wet dream. Of course, their web site wants you to email for quantity and pricing. It looks like they are a military contractor (or wannabe) and thus they will be prohibitively expensive over just building something out of cinder block. |
|
I was thinking of a more DIY method we could employ here.
I like the inflatable form idea, so what I'd do is this: Have one of those (or two) inflatable air bags they use in tractor trailer and boat recovery operations. Then instead of having a preformed/impregnated "cover" do a multi-layered approach ala paper mache'. I imagine you could use all types of scrap material (burlap, canvas, ect..) maybe even sandwich wire under the layers for added support. |
|
This is an update of the WW2 temporary shelter methods employed in Brittan. Nice and effective. The shelter that these folks are selling must not get wet before deployment. If the package were to get wet, even from humid air, before inflation then you get a reinforced concrete block.
|
|
I think ICF (Insulating Concrete Forms) would be an cheap and durable way to go for most people.
Link Daughters new house has no basement and I am thinking about ICF's as a storm shelter. |
|
go go gadget demo saw once its hardened! |
|
.
I don't see the point of this for permanent construction. There's no reinforcing, insulating, or waterproofing. For a short term shelter or the basis for a quick bunker, it looks OK. Otherwise, I think you'd be better off with a monolithic dome or the ICF such as has already been posted. As for the 10 years... that's an estimate, and probably a good one for when the structures are in the middle of failing based on the lack of reinforcing and the quick concrete. The product hasn't been around for 10 years so actual life isn't known. Might be able to stretch it a bit by a layer of concrete with rebar sprayed on the exterior and then a layer of foam insulation, then a weatherproofing layer. Might as well build a monolithic in the first place. |
|
Quoted:
. I don't see the point of this for permanent construction. There's no reinforcing, insulating, or waterproofing. For a short term shelter or the basis for a quick bunker, it looks OK. Otherwise, I think you'd be better off with a monolithic dome or the ICF such as has already been posted. As for the 10 years... that's an estimate, and probably a good one for when the structures are in the middle of failing based on the lack of reinforcing and the quick concrete. The product hasn't been around for 10 years so actual life isn't known. Might be able to stretch it a bit by a layer of concrete with rebar sprayed on the exterior and then a layer of foam insulation, then a weatherproofing layer. Might as well build a monolithic in the first place. The construction has been around for over 60 years. This is a British product. The Brits did the same thing in WW2, but with a different assembly technique. They would stretch canvas over a hoop frame then cover the canvas with grout. After the grout cured they could remove the hoops. This system saves the steps of the hoops and smearing grout on by hand. The building is reinforced; what do you think the fabric is? Before you start fussing about fabric reinforcement you better decide if you like riding in autos or aircraft. Concrete is very strong when supporting compression loads, but does not support tension loads well. Reinforcing materials added to concrete are to support tension loads. Many materials that support tension well can be used; steel, polypropylene, and fiberglass are just a few common ones in use. |
|
At the end of that video it shows building it in with what looks like earth and large pre cast blocks in their little animated clip they have on there.
It also claims to be insulated. Its 1 main perk is its setup time. It appears to be really rapid although I didnt see a time line. Honestly tho if you get block delivered and rent a mixer 4 guys can build a garage sized structure in a weekend that would last alot more then 10 years! |
|
Quoted:
go go gadget demo saw once its hardened! Good point, I just wonder if it would compromise the structure by doing so. |