Design and Optimization of Post Disaster Relief Structure

This thesis covers the design and optimization of a post-disaster relief shelter as well as a custom connection design. The goal of this work is to propose new solutions for temporary shelters and to streamline the design process. In particular, the structure is designed for flooding in Pakistan and...

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Main Author: Bharmal, Sabika
Other Authors: Mueller, Caitlin
Format: Thesis
Published: Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2023
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/151876
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author Bharmal, Sabika
author2 Mueller, Caitlin
author_facet Mueller, Caitlin
Bharmal, Sabika
author_sort Bharmal, Sabika
collection MIT
description This thesis covers the design and optimization of a post-disaster relief shelter as well as a custom connection design. The goal of this work is to propose new solutions for temporary shelters and to streamline the design process. In particular, the structure is designed for flooding in Pakistan and uses steel hollow structural sections (HSS). The design works to minimize the number of unique parts, requires no power tools for assembly, utilizes all prefabricated elements, and meets the region's building codes for a typical residential home. Ultimately, the structure is a shelter that can be reused year to year by being assembled and disassembled as needed. This will help to reduce material waste and the overall effect on the environment. For the design of the structure, two different methods were employed, one focusing on parametric modeling and one focusing on repetitive elements. Designs from each method were optimized and then compared to determine the best solution. Once the top design was selected, the members in the design were grouped and then replaced based on the groups to reduce the number of unique elements. Finally, the last part of the thesis works on the design and prototyping of a custom steel node. The node is designed to connect eight HSS sections together with each element held using a single pin. Preliminary prototyping for the connection is also done using polymer and steel 3D printing methods. In conclusion, this thesis presents a workflow and design for a prefabricated shelter kit that can be assembled with no additional tools or materials while ensuring it resists all the appropriate loads for the area.
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spelling mit-1721.1/1518762023-08-24T03:33:00Z Design and Optimization of Post Disaster Relief Structure Bharmal, Sabika Mueller, Caitlin Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering This thesis covers the design and optimization of a post-disaster relief shelter as well as a custom connection design. The goal of this work is to propose new solutions for temporary shelters and to streamline the design process. In particular, the structure is designed for flooding in Pakistan and uses steel hollow structural sections (HSS). The design works to minimize the number of unique parts, requires no power tools for assembly, utilizes all prefabricated elements, and meets the region's building codes for a typical residential home. Ultimately, the structure is a shelter that can be reused year to year by being assembled and disassembled as needed. This will help to reduce material waste and the overall effect on the environment. For the design of the structure, two different methods were employed, one focusing on parametric modeling and one focusing on repetitive elements. Designs from each method were optimized and then compared to determine the best solution. Once the top design was selected, the members in the design were grouped and then replaced based on the groups to reduce the number of unique elements. Finally, the last part of the thesis works on the design and prototyping of a custom steel node. The node is designed to connect eight HSS sections together with each element held using a single pin. Preliminary prototyping for the connection is also done using polymer and steel 3D printing methods. In conclusion, this thesis presents a workflow and design for a prefabricated shelter kit that can be assembled with no additional tools or materials while ensuring it resists all the appropriate loads for the area. M.Eng. 2023-08-23T16:15:47Z 2023-08-23T16:15:47Z 2023-06 2023-08-04T19:30:20.875Z Thesis https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/151876 In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted Copyright retained by author(s) https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC-EDU/1.0/ application/pdf Massachusetts Institute of Technology
spellingShingle Bharmal, Sabika
Design and Optimization of Post Disaster Relief Structure
title Design and Optimization of Post Disaster Relief Structure
title_full Design and Optimization of Post Disaster Relief Structure
title_fullStr Design and Optimization of Post Disaster Relief Structure
title_full_unstemmed Design and Optimization of Post Disaster Relief Structure
title_short Design and Optimization of Post Disaster Relief Structure
title_sort design and optimization of post disaster relief structure
url https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/151876
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