Design of a Reconfigurable Deployable Structure for Post Disaster Housing

Abstract

In this thesis, the possibility of constructing reconfigurable deployable structure composed of planar linkage units has been explored. The first part of the thesis is devoted to literature survey on housing recovery. When the current researches on post disaster housing are investigated, it is observed that most of post disaster housing or temporary buildings in the literature are predefined portable, demountable or relocatable buildings. Deployable buildings serve for a single function. A study into the existence of alternative forms of a reconfigurable deployable structure has been done. The conditions for the alternative forms to be a multi-functional building have been derived. Reconfigurable deployable structure presented here is a single degrees-of-freedom (DoF) multi-loop linkage which has more than two configurations. The alternative forms that a linkage is constructed with the same links and connections are called configurations or assembly modes of the linkage. During its motion, the linkage may pass from one assembly mode to another, which is called reconfiguration or assembly mode change. Design and position analysis of the linkage mechanism have been implemented in Microsoft Excel® environment. The link lengths can be varied in this environment and the motion of the structure can be simulated by changing input joint parameters. Four different case studies have been designed in Microsoft Excel®. A reconfigurable deployable structure can be used as a multi-functional shelter or canopy which can take many forms in a few minutes for urgent needs after disasters, military purpose or public needs. Its deployed and retracted (or compact) geometries are explored. As a case study the dimensions of links are presented. Installation process for different functions is explained. The full concept for the structure, from outer covering material to foundation is then detailed. Finally, a sample material cost analysis is performed to determine if the product is financially feasible.