OBSERVATION: The scoping study IFRC-SRU conducted on existing winter-shelter solutions clearly suggests that there is a gap in research and development of winter-shelters or adequate winterization solutions for use in humanitarian sheltering. Since thermal comfort in winter conditions is clearly a critical factor to assure the health and well-being of beneficiaries, the call is for investment in this research.

The first step, to establish a benchmark as reference for the improvement of existing products and the development of new solutions, has already been taken. As the standard family tent is the most commonly used emergency shelter solution it seems well justified to use it as the point of departure. IFRC-SRU has been working to define the thermal performance of the standard family tent and the related winter kit using thermodynamic simulation as well as testing in real environment, building synergies between two distinct projects targeting different winterization solutions.

With the baseline established, IFRC-SRU is now advancing the work on the two winterization projects, each for a specific context and stated need, using corresponding adapted methodologies.

protect beneficiaries from low temperatures and related health hazards. Trying to compensate for the lack of insulation by increased heating in consequence drives up fuel consumption and at the same time in crea-ses risk of fire, es pecially when heaters are operated during night times without being safeguarded. A com-mon countermeasure taken by camp coordination, to reduce risk of fires, is to advise beneficiaries to only use the heater outside of the inner liner, in the entrance vestibule of the

tent, which unquestionably compromises the efficiency of the heating system leading to a vicious circle of even more fuel consumption.

In more extreme climates, as for example in earth-quake prone mountainous regions of central Asia (e.g. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, India, ...) or south America, the temperatures that need to be braved can be as low as -30° C. In such harsh climate con di tions an adequately winterized shelter is un-ques tionably life-saving.

IFRC-SRUWINTERIZATION

NEWSLETTER 4 / English version June 2014

BACKGROUNDAs the on-going crisis in Syria painfully reminds us, not all disasters and forced displacements take place in hot climates. The countries around Syria that are hosting the great majority of the refugees in camps have moderate cli mates with winters where temperatures easily drop to 0° C and even below for two to three months a year. However, a large number of the provided shelter solutions, namely the standard tent, are not particularly adapted to

Thermal camera pictures, showing the main areas of heat

loss for the standard family tent.

Establishing the baseline: Comparison of thermal behaviour between standard family tent with and without current standard winter-kit.

WINTERIZATION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SYRIA CRISIS:

Together with the Turkish Red Crescent (TRC), sup­ported by Luxemburg Red Cross (LRC) and in collaboration with Marmara University department of textile development, IFRC­SRU is working to develop a winterization solution to upgrade existing shelter solutions in the context of the Syria crisis.

The main objective of this collaboration is to design a “winterization kit” for the tent model that TRC is using in their response to the Syria crisis. Furthermore IFRC-SRU is exploring the possibility to adapt this solu-tion to fit into other common tent models namely that stan dard family tent used by UNHCR and IFRC.

The thermal performance of the TRC tent has been established through com-parative testing of the exis ting TRC Tent and the standard family tent with their respective inner-tents. Key areas for improvement have been identified and

PROBLEM STATEMENT How to attach a fabric to a frame? Whoever has tried to fix any textile cladding material on a frame knows that this simple question does not come with a simple answer.

Are there any solutions that work well for shade net? Is there an intelligent system to connect two tar paulins together? And how do the good old stone wrapped into the end of a tarp, the bottle­cap washer, and other ingenious field solutions compare to what is available on the market?

further testing is being un der taken to investigate insulation materials specially developed for the purposed by Marmara University.

The final design of the winteri­zation kit will be based on the analysis of the tests and recommendations IFRC-SRU is proposing. First prototypes of the new winterization so lu tion are prospected to be produced by the TRC owned tent factory in time for the coming winter.

WINTER-SOLUTION FOR EXTREME COLD CLIMATES: MONGOLIASupported by British Red Cross and in collaboration with Mongolian Red Cross Society (MRCS), IFRC­SRU is developing a win-terized shelter solution

How do eyelets along the edge of a tarpaulin com-pare to holes punched in the reinforced band of the standard IFRC tarpaulin, in terms of performance and practical usability?

that will deliver necessary performance in extreme cold climates like Mongolia. This development is one com-po nent of the contingency planning and disaster pre pared ness measures that MRCS and Mongolian government are developing in response to the growing risk of a major earthquake affecting the Mongolian capital Ulaan Baatar.

For this development of an extreme cold climate shelter IFRC-SRU is using thermodynamic simulation particularly developed for the purpose in collaboration with the “Architecture and Climate” department of the University of Louvain la Neuve (Belgium). The special software allows to explore the performance of different shapes and in­su lating materials and to establish the necessary

How does the reinforced band really perform when perforated by nails or other fixings? And what about the performance of the variety of tensioners and ropes that are used, particularly in emergency shelter operations?

OBJECTIVEAs we have not found any satisfactory information to answer these questions we decided to dedicate a study to the subject of fixings. One of the principal objective of the IFRC-SRU being to test materials and items with view to their use in the field and to produce technical resources in support of the Red Cross Movement and the larger

heating performance that will be required to assure a set minimum standard temperature. Furthermore the simulation will help to establish up to what point the investment in the insulation of the shelter can be recovered by the savings in heating cost.

Adequate stove and fuel solutions are a topic of highest relevance still to be explored. IFRC-SRU is welcoming expert input and suggestions for collaboration on the topic.

Based on the simulation results and input from MRCS, IFRC­SRU will design prototypes and field­test them in Mongolia winter climate to verify their performance in real conditions and con firm acceptance and usability with MRCS and Mongolian civil Protection. ■

hu manitarians shelter sector. The aim of the study is to get an overview of existing products and be able to evaluate and compare their technical performance as well as logistical parameters (cost, weight, volume) with the “traditional” field solutions. Particular focus is also on practical aspects like easy application even by unskilled people and without extra tools.

SCOPEThe scope of the test-series that we conduct in our work shop is focused on flexible cladding materials to rope as well as to struc-tural elements. From the conducted market study

Test for thermal conductivity of materials

Comparative testing of TRC current tent model and standard family tent.

Test set­up for the fixings study

TEST SERIES: FIXINGS

Shelters Map

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Shelter details

The Shelter Solutions Database will present implemented shelter projects worldwide in a simple comprehensible

format consolidating relevant technical information.

59 fixings from some 40 suppliers were identified. From those, 16 different models from 11 suppliers have been selected as the most representative for that particular type of fixing.

The selected fixings are tested on up to 10 different fabrics and 7 possible variations of fabric-edge. Typical fixings used traditionally in humanitarian sheltering have been also as sessed including roofing nails, bent nails, nails with bottle-cap washers, ropes etc. as well as some new variations

from IFRC-SRU that came up during the study. Altogether 725 different possibilities of fixing have been explored on a variety of fabrics like different tarpaulins, shade net or canvas totaling up to some 20,000 tests performed.

The Architecture and Engineering Department of the “Vrije Universiteit Brussel”, one of the long-standing SRU collaborators, is running a parallel test-se-ries on tensioners and rope, as well as Fixings for Fabric to Fabric.

METHODOLOGY The different fixings are tes ted each 3 times on 50 x 10 cm pieces of fabric in the same test-setup and with the same procedure of progressive stres sing and documenting the charged load in kg as well as the displacement in mm. The test is terminated with the failure (breaking or sliding) of either fixing or fabric (tearing). The maxi mum loading capacities of the different fabrics have been previously tested to know the maximum resistance that a 50 x 10 cm strip provides. This allows identifying whether the weak point is in the fabric or in the fixing.

The following data is analyzed for each fixing:

> Maximum loading capacity of the fixing on different types of fabrics. > Standard variation of the fixing performance in the three tests performed, to give an indication of the reliability of the fixing > Fixing displacement (if it occurs) > Usability indicators like comprehensibility,

ease of use, ease of disassembly, reusability, and type of tools that are needed for installation, if necessary. > Logistic data: price, weight and dimension.

All the test results are registered on a single sheet summary for each fixing reflecting the complete data of structural performance, usability and logistic. Finally, all results are compiled in a comparative

graphic that allows understanding at a glance how each fixing scores on the different criteria.

RESULTSAbout halfway through the test, we have already encountered quite some surprises. Some fixings that we intuitively thought would bring extraordinary results were quite mediocre and others where we had low expectations came out as quite promising candidates. The same is true for the traditional fixings.

For example a bent nail through a tarp definitely scores lower in performance than a straight nail!

Final results and analysis of the tests will be presented during the “Cladding and Fixing Conference” in September of this year in Luxemburg, at the same venue as last years conference on “Anchoring and Fixing”.

As last year we are putting together a varied program of field experience presentations, the test results from the cladding and fixings study and other research topics IFRC-SRU is involved in, as well as news and updates from academia and interesting development initiatives of the sector.

If you have interesting field experience related to the topic that you would be ready to share, please don’t hesitate to contact us. ■

The idea to create a Database Shelter Solutions that we presented in the first newsletter early 2013, is moving to the next stage!

The IFRC-SRU founding Members, the Benelux Red Cross Societies and the IFRC Shelter and Settlements Department (SSD) have committed the necessary funding for the programming of the database. For this, IFRC-SRU is collaborating with the “Centre de Recherche Publique Henri Tudor” (based in Luxemburg) who have special expertise

in Data-management and Information Technology.

The online Database for Shelter Solutions will serve to systematically document shelter projects following a clear methodology, with a focus on capturing technical and material details. The Shelter Solutions Database will be available online and help to facilitate research and analysis of common shelter responses. Colleges active in shelter operations and from Shelter Cluster confirm the great potential of such a tool to support decision

UPDATE: SHELTER SOLUTIONS DATABASE

Shelters Details

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MULTIMEDIA

DOCUMENTS

map centered on selected shelter

Video

GENERAL SERVICESGENERAL SITE SERVICESSTRUCTUREGENERAL SKINSTRUCTURESITE

DATA

post & lintel, concrete & timber

rigid with nuts & bolts and steel

plinth structure of earth/mud

post/pole without footing, concrete

none

hip shapes with beam structure, timber

Super structure

Connections

Foundation

Floor

Stability measures

Roof

STRUCTURE

UPCOMING EVENTS:CONFERENCE ”CLADDING AND FIXING“

IFRC-SRU is organizing another conference to present the results of different studies that have been undertaken during that last one and a half year. The focus is on quality and performance of different cladding materials used in humanitarian sector such as tarpaulins, shade nets, and different tent­fabrics as well as a whole number of different fixings found on the market as well as traditional field solutions. The “Cladding and Fixing Conference” will take place on September 3rd & 4th of this year in Luxemburg at the Forum da Vinci (6 Boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte) in Luxemburg.

Online registration will be opened within June, with further information.

CONTACT

ifrc-sru@croix-rouge.lu

IFRC - SRU Cité Henri Dunant 10, L­8095 Bertrange Tél. 27 55 ­ 89 02

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Supported by the Red Cross Societies of the BENELUX

PHILIPPINES, STUDY ON SAFER ROOFING USING CGIFollowing the needs flagged from the field, notably the Shelter Cluster and agencies involved in sheltering in the Philippines, IFRC­SRU is pre paring a study of different roofing solutions, with a par ti cular focus on CGI (corrugated galvanised iron) sheeting and related fixings. The study will compare

a roofing solutions using different qualities of CGI sheeting and fixings, with regard to improving hurricane resistance. The methodology planned will be exemplary engineering calculations as well as practical tests to demonstrate the performance of the studied materials and fixings. The study will serve as base to produce a roofing manual that can help make informed choices regarding this most frequently used roofing ma te rial. Furthermore

IFRC-SRU plans to set up field tests and practical technical workshops to demonstrate the performance of diffe rent model solutions.

A first field­visit in June has served to collect first hand input and information. Agencies implementing Shelter projects in the Philippines that would still like to contribute their input or are interested in the workshops are most welcome to contact us.

making in the field, inform technical discussions in the Cluster and build up consolidated knowledge in sheltering. In a medium to long-term perspective this will help to make future shelter responses faster, more adapted to the context and more cost-efficient.

IFRC-SRU has developed a taxonomy to record the essential information of a Shelter Solution in a me-tho dological manner, that can be presented on a comprehensible technical data sheet. As there is no Shelter Center Meeting an nounced for this spring where we could collect feed back from a wider range of shelter actors, we are looking for interested individuals that would

volunteer to review and eventually test a first version of the data-base. The review will need to be concluded within the last week of June / first week of July.

During the implementation phase IFRC-SRU will po-pu late the database with projects already docu-mented. Once online and running the Database will allow online entry of new pro jects from all over the

world, directly from the field. The opportunity for agen cies to put their project on the map! Our implemen­ting part ner is planning to have a first version of the online database for “testing” by end of October.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are inte-rested in the review of the taxonomy and / or tes-ting the online entry of a project into the database.

MAPPING MISSION HAITI:In order to populate the Data base with relevant and up-to date shelter so lutions, IFRC­SRU with support of Luxemburg Red Cross is prospecting a “mapping mission” in Haiti towards end of the year, to document the variety of shelters implemented there after the earthquake and to test the online entry from a real life environment.

PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE: