FERROCEMENT SOLUTIONS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRO-TOTYPES IN INDIA

Author(s): Prof. Dr. Anupama Kundoo, Prof. Dr. Mike Schlaich, Dr. Arndt Goldack
Book Title: FERRO-11 – 11th International Symposium on Ferrocement and 3rd ICTRC - International Conference on Textile Reinforced Concrete
Editor: Wolfgang Brameshuber
Print-ISBN: 978-2-35158-152-0
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-153-7
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2015
Pages: 365-374
Total Pages: 10
Language: English

Abstract: In achieving ‘Housing for All’ in the rapidly urbanising Indian context, ferrocement technology promises to be environmentally as well as economically ‘affordable’, consuming significantly less quantities of building materials with high embodied energy. Though al-ready used to some degree, ferrocement would make its most significant contribution if used for roofs spanning the whole structure, or speedy wall-systems with built-in furniture. Form development plays a big part in the design of ferrocement roofs. Shell structures though efficient, mean complex, expensive formwork, whereas folded-plate structural systems consist of planar surfaces and often easier to construct. A range of geometries are al-ready tested in origami (the ancient art of paper-folding) to stiffen thin sheets of paper, and origami crease patterns serve as inspiration for self-supporting roofs. The paper discusses prototypes designed by the author, for quick and cheap delivery of houses, with alternatives for small and larger roofing spans for residences and community buildings respectively. The prefabrication process, undertaken in backyards of masons’ houses improves social and economic sustainability performance, while the technical design of units improves environmental performance. Developed through Indo-German collaboration, test prototypes were built in Delhi, Chennai, Auroville India; Brisbane and Sydney in Australia; as also in Bielefeld, Berlin and Steinhagen near Bielefeld in Germany.

Online publication: 2015
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00