Recycled composite structures for third-world housing applications

A basic structural unit concept based on recycled plastics was developed for alleviating problems of homelessness, housing for disaster relief, and refugee shelters, as well as low-cost housing in Third-World countries. The primary structural material was recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) reinforced with glass fibers or locally available fillers such as sand and talc. This paper covers the structural design and analysis of the Daedalus structure and qualification testing of the structural material. An ANSYS 3-D finite element model (FEM) was employed for evaluations of deflections and stresses under self-weight, snow, and wind loading conditions. The FEM procedure was validated using a scaled plexiglas physical model. The Uniform Building Code and ASCE 7 load standards were used as the basis for design and analysis. Short-terra and creep deformation tests were conducted for the HPDE for a selection of reinforcements. It was determined that the Daedalus structure concept was feasible. Quality control using stiffness and toughness criteria on materials will be a key feature of the production cycle.