POST DISASTER POST DISASTER

STEELSTEEL--FRAME SHELTERFRAME SHELTER

Experiences and lessons learnedExperiences and lessons learnedSteel Days Conference

Esch-Belval, Luxembourg.

November 8, 2011

• Present two applications of steel technology in post-disaster transitional shelter

programs

• Review application of steel technology

Objectives

• Review application of steel technology

• Provide recommendations and perspectives regarding the use of steel in

transitional shelter

• US-based American NGO, based in Maryland/DC

• Development agency with humanitarian response capacity, largely in transitional

shelter

CHF International

shelter

• Working in transitional shelter since 1999

• Transitional shelter programs in: Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Pakistan, Georgia, Peru,

Haiti, Afghanistan, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Iraq, and Colombia.

Disaster Context

Sri-Lanka 2005

Haiti 2010

…Sri Lanka context

On December 26, 2004 a major tsunami hit the Southern and Eastern costs of Sri-

Lanka. National authorities reported 30,196 deaths, the displacement of one and

a half million people and the destruction of nearly 100,00 houses.

In 2005 CHF implemented the 9 months Recovery Assistance for Southern Sri-In 2005 CHF implemented the 9 months Recovery Assistance for Southern Sri-

Lanka Program or RASSL providing 1,068 four-truss metal transitional shelters.

Shelters were built in the Galle and Matara districts, where villages were densely

populated and the land use pattern consisted of rural and semi urban settlements.

…Haiti context

On January 12, 2010 a 7.0 Mw earthquake hit Haiti killing more than 220,000

people and destroying over 105,000 homes. The devastation was widespread in

Port Au Prince (PaP), its surrounding areas, as well as communities located in

Ouest Department of Haiti.

In February 2010 CHF International launched the Community Livelihoods and

By February 2011 CHF had provided 5,140 transitional shelters, out of which

2,000 were cold formed/light gage steel frame shelters built for the semi-urban

and rural settlements in Petit Goâve, and Léogâne.

In February 2010 CHF International launched the Community Livelihoods and

Economic Assistance through Rubble Removal and Shelter (CLEARS) program. The

Program was designed to provide a range of context-driven and flexible shelter

solutions in earthquake affected areas.

Shelter DesignsShelter Designs

Similarities and Differences

FEATURES SRI- LANKA HAITI

Construction

period

February- October 2005 (9months) March 2010- February 2011 (12 months)

Why steel-

frame

shelters?

Rapidly assembled and reusable material that can

be utilized in housing construction or re-

construction.

Multiple hazards including earthquakes and aftershocks, heavy

rains (March-May), hurricanes and high winds (June-November)

and infestation (termites etc). Opportunity to pilot an

innovative technology where all shelter construction materials

must be imported.

Sri Lanka vs. Haiti

Design type Locally developed and produced, 3.75 m wide,

5.40 m long (20 m2) structure consisting of a light

weight, four-truss metal frame with metal roof

sheeting that did not require skilled labor for

assembly. This model was first introduced by CHF

in 2003 when implementing an innovative

transitional shelter pilot project for 212 IDPs

living in transitional centers in Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

Pre-fabricated unit, produced in the United States, including

cold formed/light gage steel components for a transitional

housing unit in Haiti that is approximately 3 m wide, 6 m long

(18 m2 ) and 2.15 m high to bottom of truss with a 0.30m eave

overhang around the perimeter. 29ga galvanized steel roofing.

Production and assembly required local capacity building.

Meets Sector

Standards

Meets SPHERE standards for an average family

size of 5 persons

Meets SPHERE standards for an average family size of 5 persons

Total Shelters 1,068 steel-frame 2,000 steel-frame (part of a larger initiative that also included

3,140 wood –frame shelters)

Sri Lanka Steel ShelterSri Lanka Steel Shelter

Intermediate shelter structures consisting of vertical metal frames with plastic

Assumptions

Intermediate shelter structures consisting of vertical metal frames with plastic

sheeting applied to the sides, and corrugated metal roofs. Shelters that allow the

most vulnerable affected families’ privacy, reasonable comfort and a reusable

building resource that can be utilized in housing construction or re-construction.

� A 0.15 m high, concrete and rubble mix foundation was incorporated in the design

to provide a dry interior floor.

� The bottom section of the wall was constructed with concrete blocks to a height of

0.6 m.

� The section between the masonry and the roof edge was covered by tarpaulin.

� Additional reinforcements, including heavy anchors for each column and J-hooks

attaching roofing sheets to perlins.

Sri Lanka Technical Specs

� Construction of a 5 square meter covered food preparation area adjoining the

shelter.

� Electrical reticulation of the shelter to include 2 plug points and 2 light points

(Due to the steel framing and the openness of the shelters, all wiring was shielded

in an electrical conduit). This was a Government requirement resulted to comply

to local standards

� Installation of gutters and a 500-liter water tank for harvesting of rain water

Sri Lanka Upgrades and Add-ons

� Installation of gutters and a 500-liter water tank for harvesting of rain water

� Reinforced USAID tarpaulin walls by adding supportive plywood boards to provide

additional security and more robust shelters.

� Reduction of heat radiation from the metal roof sheets by the application of

‘MACFOIL’™ heat insulation sheeting to the underside of the roof sheets (CHF

considered painting the roofs of the shelters white to increase the reflectivity of

roofs and reduce the heat transfer; however, we were concerned that the paint

would leach into the rain catchment system incorporated in the roofs. The system

was not intended to be used for potable water, but it would be difficult to ensure

that some of the water does not get used for drinking or food preparation).

� Frames were locally produced, in workshops in the Galle area and easily adapted

by local communities. Modifications and upgrades made later using steel as a

material, and local production sources, resulted in quick and easy design changes,

which beneficiaries could do themselves

� Community consultation resulted in other improvements, including: upgrading of

the walls from plastic sheeting to plywood, giving each family greater control over

Sri Lanka

Modifications and Upgrades

the walls from plastic sheeting to plywood, giving each family greater control over

where they could put windows or other apertures.

� Beneficiaries completed some of their own upgrades, but were less inclined to

complete significant changes to the “box” structure of the steel frame

CHF’s steel-frame shelter in Sri-Lanka carried the approval of the affected

Sri Lanka Beneficiary Satisfaction

CHF’s steel-frame shelter in Sri-Lanka carried the approval of the affected

communities, held up well in the Sri Lankan weather and was easily

assembled and disassembled. It became a favorite among the affected

communities.

Haiti Steel Shelter

Transitional shelter that provides a durable shelter solution that allows households

to regain a sense of normalcy. Shelters that are likely to be exposed to Multiple

hazards including earthquakes and aftershocks, heavy rains, hurricanes and high

Assumptions

hazards including earthquakes and aftershocks, heavy rains, hurricanes and high

winds and infestation (termites etc). A transitional shelter model that demonstrates

risk reduction techniques in anticipation of the reconstruction phase.

In 2010 CHF responded to the Haiti earthquake by using both wood-frame and steel-

frame shelters that were constructed in urban and semi-urban environments,

respectively. The primary reasons for proposing the integration of steel frame

shelters in the Haiti context included:

�Timber was not a locally produced commodity and was imported, allowing for

Haiti Steel as a Shelter Option

�Timber was not a locally produced commodity and was imported, allowing for

reasonable exploration of other imported materials and designs;

� High local hazard risk required a long lasting, multiple hazard-resistant

(primarily earthquake, hurricane resistant) solution;

� Given the durability of the material, the shelter frame is easily convertible to a

permanent solution with some small adjustments.

Criteria Wood-frame shelter Steel-framed shelter

Advantages �Culturally known material, assembled using

commonly found tools and inputs

�Familiar procurement mechanisms

�Lower cost of materials

�More flexible application in urban

environment

�Hurricane Resistant to 120 miles per hour

�Earthquake resistant

�If upgraded properly, the unit could become a

permanent solution

�Viewed as a more “permanent” shelter by

beneficiaries

Disadvantages �Limited time span in extreme weather

conditions, climate sensitive material

�Pest-vulnerable

�Not a locally produced or widely used commodity

�Thermal conductor, transmits heat into living area

�Relatively unknown construction material

Haiti Steel vs. Wooden Shelter Model

�Pest-vulnerable

�Viewed as “temporary” by beneficiaries

�Relatively unknown construction material

�Assembly requires tools, equipment and considerable

add-ons that increase price and delivery time.

�Pre-fab sizing prevents use in congested urban

settings

Construction Complexity Despite simple structural design features,

consistent capacity building and oversight was

required to assure proper construction and

handling of shelter materials.

Because the shelter was a pre-fabricated design, a

significant amount of training and mobilizing was

required to establish appropriate fabrication systems.

Costly transportation of containers from customs as

well as transportation of units to installation points.

Quality (durability and

structural integrity)

�3-4 years �20 years

Material availability �Imported material but locally available. �Not available in the local market, nor produced

locally

Semi-Skilled Labor �Existing in country (carpenters and masons) �Critical need for training and capacity building in

assembly line systems and use of power tools

� Pre-fabricated cold formed/light gage steel transitional shelter, approximately 3

m wide, 6 m long (18 m2 ) and 2.15 m high to bottom of truss.

� 29ga galvanized steel roofing.

� Concrete foundations and flooring.

� Wood frame doors and windows

� Factory-grade plastic sheeting as initial wall cover

Haiti Technical Specs

� Components were shipped pre-cut, from an American company in 40 containers

of 50 shelters per container.

� A prefabrication facility was set up to assemble the structures in each town, with

220 local labourers working in Léogâne and about 30 in Petit Goâve.

� Different teams offloaded the containers, assembled the parts, loaded and

Haiti Construction and Delivery

� Different teams offloaded the containers, assembled the parts, loaded and

offloaded pre-fabricated structures and installed the shelters on site.

� The program trained approximately 100 local workers, both men and women to

become proficient with the use of drills in the assembly of metal parts. Once the

shelters were installed, an additional 6-8 three man crews of masons were used to

install the cement floors.

� In total, this project provided income and jobs to the local community for 250 –

300 people.

NOTE ON TIMEFRAMES: CHF was able to start producing wood-frame shelters one

month after the program started, however It took 5 months to start delivering steel

frame shelters due unforeseen challenges such as customs, logistics, the need for

capacity building, transportation, powered tools, spare parts, etc. The following chart

shows CHF’s shelter delivery rate from which conclusions can be drawn.

Haiti Construction and Delivery

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500WFS

SFS

� Steel-frame shelter cost was roughly 2- 2.5 times higher than the wood- frame shelter.

� Basic core materials costs were equivalent to wooden shelters. However, assembly

and installation of the unit required additional inputs that added significant cost,

including:

�Customs fees

Haiti Steel Frame Cost

�Customs fees

�Storage

�Onsite labor/assembly

�Concrete foundations

�Technical assistance and training

�Equipment rental

�Power tools and generators

�Flatbed transportation

�Bracing materials, tarp fasteners

�Doors and windows (wood frame)

Steel Shelter Outcomes

Steel frame shelter are conceived as a transition towards a permanent solution, and

therefore a higher investment for the use or more durable materials are incorporated

when improving or expanding the shelters. This trend responds to CHF’s initial

assumptions for using steel frame shelter due to its potential to become a permanent

solution. Some examples include:

� Porch addition

� Room or kitchen addition

Upgrades and Modifications

� Room or kitchen addition

� New siding material

� Electricity and plumbing

As of October 2011, based on the program’s final evaluation:

•The improvement rate of a steel frame shelter is 23% at an average cost of $100.

•Nearly 5% of the steel frame shelters were upgraded for an average cost of $375.

•Higher improvements and expansions rates are found in steel-frame shelters; the level

of investment is 4 times higher when compare to the wood frame shelter.

Significant steel shelter beneficiaries have disassembled or expanded their shelter unit

to meet personal needs or preferences. This has resulted in varying degrees of

structural instability or improper use and extension of steel components.

� Households did not have access to power tools or generators following the

completion of the shelter unit by CHF teams.

� Improvisation in construction and assembly frequently created dangerous or non-

Disassembly and Re-Use

� Improvisation in construction and assembly frequently created dangerous or non-

hazard resistant shelter features

Recipient households frequently converted their steel framed shelters into

productive enterprises, including restaurants, bars, beauty salons, grocery stores,

and repair shops. Often they also maintained a residence in the unit simultaneously

Livelihoods…

CHF’s steel shelter program in Léogâne created a new steel market throughout the

region. Through observation and consultation, CHF learned that beneficiary

households were creating a market value for their shelter based on demand from

other non-shelter beneficiaries, resulting in:

� Increased vulnerability for households who sell their home

� Misuse of materials in rebuilding, often creating new structural hazards

Market Impact

� Misuse of materials in rebuilding, often creating new structural hazards

� Shelter components supporting commercial interests rather than household

interests

October 2011

Steel Transitional Shelter

in in

Emergencies

In order to assure safety and beneficiary comfort, shelter designs must include:

� Features to mitigate extreme temperatures created by thermal conducting

frames

� Training for households regarding use and addition of electricity, plumbing,

and water services

� Proper wall materials that provide security, privacy, and that mitigate extreme

climatic effects

Lessons Learned

climatic effects

Shelter recipients are likely to adapt or change their shelter (or move it).

Therefore, agencies using steel must:

� Provide easy to use, simple technologies that are transferrable and

structurally applicable

� Raise awareness on site placement, and provide a guide or catalogue of

possible adjustments and modifications, including locally available BOQs and

technical guidelines

With correct use and application, steel technologies have a place in transitional

shelter provided that:

� Technologies and supporting inputs are available locally, easily accessible, and

familiar to the local community

� Households are adequately trained in the disassembly, adaptation, and

modification of steel shelters through extensive training, construction

modules, and consistently available guidance

Lessons Learned

modules, and consistently available guidance

Steel is a valuable material, with much benefits when use in construction.

Depending on the social-economic environment it shall be expected that at some

point shelters will be traded for non shelter purposes. To mitigate this possibility,

agencies should:

� Conduct a thorough market evaluation of the local availability, costs, and

market volatility of steel for shelter construction

� Educate households who receive shelter on the economic value and potential

of their shelter asset

CHF recognizes the potential for using steel, and recommends that the use of

steel is supported by the following :

� The humanitarian community and the steel industry work jointly as

partners in the design and evaluation rather than just suppliers and

buyers.

� There is an investment on research on steel-framing sheltering to draw

Recommendations

� There is an investment on research on steel-framing sheltering to draw

lessons learned from past or current experiences for an improved future

response.

� A minimum of cultural sensitiveness and climatic appropriateness is

incorporated in the shelter design.

� A cost-effective and long-lasting to permanent solution is offered to the

beneficiaries and the donor community.

At CHF, we believe there is future for the steel industry in humanitarian response

therefore we keep on innovating ….

Two stories steel-frame shelter in Ravine Pintade, Port-au-Prince, November 2011

THANKS