The Dymax Emergency Shelter

The Dymaxion Emergency Shelter (240 model)

A targeted response to a problem of global proportions

Access to adequate shelter is key to survival in emergency situations. The Dymax Emergency Shelter was developed to provide a low-cost way to create a durable, versatile, weatherproof shelter utilizing the sheeting supplied by government agencies in response to disasters.

When assembled, the shelter is a self-supporting tensile structure using standard, reusable PVC pipes and specially designed clip connectors to create a quonset-shaped shelter to house a family.

The shelter arrives on site in an 18” x 60” bundle weighing 75 lb. that can be carried by one person. Inside the bundle is a waterproof and flame retardant sheet measuring ~25’ x 25’ that serves as the inner canopy of the structure. Specially designed connectors for the PVC struts are pre-attached in a diamond pattern on the inner canopy sheet. Following a series of simple, non-verbal diagrams, the recipients connect the PVC pipe struts to the connectors. Once the initial structure is complete, the OFDA-supplied UV-resistant heavy gauge plastic sheeting is pulled over the top and attached to create a strong, insulated, weatherproof, fire retardant self-supporting shelter.

Within 30 minutes of opening the kit, the shelter is ready for use.

Once assembled, the structure can be customized to accommodate local climactic conditions. In hot weather, openings are left at the front and back for venting, and risers are available for additional venting from the sides. The structure can be set on a platform for increased ventilation. Other options are available for sub-freezing weather conditions.

ADVANTAGES

Efficient Converts government-issued sheeting into durable, easily-assembled shelter
Cost-effective - $200 per unit (vs. >$500 for government issue tents)
Easy to assemble - Requires no special tools or skills / Takes under 30-minutes to assemble
Easy to transport - The structure can be disassembled, easily transported and used again
Versatile - The frame can be used as a roof on walls of anyconstruction
Weatherproof - Can withstand significant snow and wind load s
OFDA tested - The Dymax Frame was the leading contender in OFDA competitions and field tests

ENDURANCE

The canopy has no sewn seams to leak or tear
The sheet is never punctured or excessively abraded by the Dymax clips and can continue to be used again for storage, protection or cover
The materials are not subject to rot, infestation or corrosion

In hot climates

The structure includes end-to-end and side-to-side airflow with venting at the apex of each door (a model that utilizes aluminum struts and connectors is available for extreme temperatures)

In wet climates

Sheeting at bottom edge of canopy and doors extends beyond the base of the structure to direct rainwater away from the structure – risers are available to provide ground-level ventilation

In cold climates (consistently below 10 degrees F)

Insulation is created by second sheeting layer secured over the top of the framework creates a "dead air" space of approx. 4" between flame-retardant inner and outer canopies

VERSATILITY

Clip assemblies provide fastening points spread evenly over inside of canopy for hanging articles
Option for installation of floor
Repositions into other shapes without changing the frame assembly or clip positions
Clips, connectors and poles can all be substituted with improvised materials when necessary
Clips can be re used with any fabric or sheeting
PVC pipe can be used for other needs after disassembly

DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

Quonset structures of 240 ft² or 140 ft²
Two-skin design provides insulation from heat and cold
The structure can be assembled with doors and end panels or left open ended
Transforms into 15' wide x 24' long x 5' high (360 ft²) roof structure
Dymax custom polycarbonate clips and PVC connectors
PVC poles (struts) all one length except arch keystone pole
Inner canopy of Protec 2000 FR woven laminated poly sheeting is supplied, with clips pre-attached
Outer canopy utilizes Protec L5000 UV/FR sheeting distributed by USAID-OFDA (where sheeting has not been provided, can be included in Shelter Frame Kit

SHIPPING AND PACKAGING

The parcels are is the optimum size/weight ratio for C130 air transport
Shipping weight for the 240ft² Dymax Shelter Frame Kit (model 240SFK) is 75 lb. total, in one 15" x 15" x 60" parcel
Shipping weight for the 240ft² Dymax Quonset (Dymax model 240Q) is 115 lb. total per unit, in two parcels: Box A: 15" x 15" x 60" / Bundle B: 24" x 30" x 42"

TESTING

Winner of 1986-87 USAID-OFDA Global Field Test of disaster-relief shelters
USAID-OFDA / Bechtel RMS field testing and evaluation 2002

PRODUCTION

Production time: 30 days
Production facilities are in York, Pennsylvania, a facility which minimizes the cost of space, labor, and inbound and outbound freight
The plant, management personnel, labor pool, subcontractors, suppliers and equipment are currently in place and ready for volume production

DISTRIBUTION

Four distribution initiatives are underway that integrate within one organizational structure:
Sales to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) which provide shelter assistance to refugees and internally displaces persons
Sales to USAID-OFDA, via Bechtel and Rocky Mountain Institute
Partnership with in-country producers, such as Pakistan National Tents, the primary provider of tents to the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR).
Development of a non-profit channel for donations and grants to underwrite the donation of shelters to communities which lack governmental or non-governmental support

For more information, please contact us or

Janet Reineck, Ph.D., Dymax Project Coordinator
Telephone: 805-565-3143

See also:
worldshelters.org