  |
|||
|
|
|
||
|
Posted by Maureen K. Fleury Jun 18, 2008 |
Professor Yan Xiao, who is an expert of structural design, has been experimenting with bamboo in construction applications. Not too long ago, he successfully constructed a bamboo truck bridge, the first of its kind in the world.
The day after the earthquake in China, he went to the Sichuan province and then went back to Hunan University to design a prototype of a bamboo house that would be cheap and easy to build. His house is made out of processed bamboo veneer sheets and is earthquake resistant. It can accommodate a family of four and has provision for a stove or bath plus windows and fans. These modular units are joined by bolts and can be assembled by a crew in four to six hours. The estimated cost of each house is approximately $50 - $70US.
Because bamboo is widely available in China, it is much cheaper to build than the normal relief housing that is made out of lightweight steel. The bamboo house is much better than tents because it is insulated for heating and residents can lock up their possessions. Bamboo is also fireproof and soundproof.
These 240-square foot homes will be able to provide comfortable shelter until permanent houses are rebuilt. With the widespread damage from the earthquake, it may be a long time before people are back in their homes. The first batch of 20 houses has been donated by Hunan University and is expected to be shipped out soon.
After a story was published in the China Press, donations have been coming in for financing the construction of more units. With the ingenuity of Professor Yan Xiao, homeless people will be able to have decent temporary housing.
Source: Science Daily
