Very Interesting Concept.

mrk · 18 May 2011 at 16:11

Burying bodies, yes!

Cosimo · 18 May 2011 at 16:19

Khaaan! said:
Burying bodies, yes!

You don't need it for that.

kEn_sct · 18 May 2011 at 16:28

was this on dragons den ages ago?? i seem to remember something like this

Gackt · 18 May 2011 at 16:29

tigerstyle said:
I like the thing, but for disaster relief, how is this better than just a tent?

a tent must be lighter -cheaper- more transportable, only slightly less sturdy, but disaster relief shouldn't be long term.

In serious situations where disaster relief is unfortunately long term, this would provide a durable, seemingly sterile refuge/triage/first-aid location. Normal tents would have course be more viable initially, but these concrete tents would be much more viable for the long term.

Jambo · 18 May 2011 at 16:29

kEn_sct said:
was this on dragons den ages ago?? i seem to remember something like this

Yes.

Biohazard · 18 May 2011 at 16:30

Gackt said:
In serious situations where disaster relief is unfortunately long term, this would provide a durable, seemingly sterile refuge/triage/first-aid location. Normal tents would have course be more viable initially, but these concrete tents would be much more viable for the long term.

Indeed.

Clever chaps, wish them all the best with it too.

davieg · 18 May 2011 at 16:44

why not just use the inflatable and sod the concrete off though?

Gackt · 18 May 2011 at 16:56

Biohazard said:
Indeed.

Clever chaps, wish them all the best with it too.

To be fair, I did just steal your post and expound upon what you said.

Ahleckz · 18 May 2011 at 16:59

davieg said:
why not just use the inflatable and sod the concrete off though?

Greater protection from the elements, more permanent, ability to add services and drill holes, etc etc.

Biohazard · 18 May 2011 at 17:04

Ahleckz said:
Greater protection from the elements, more permanent, ability to add services and drill holes, etc etc.

Being able to control the heat better than canvas would be a good point, in extreme conditions or not so extreme.

You could probably drill out a bit in the roof for a chimney if needed.

Gackt said:
To be fair, I did just steal your post and expound upon what you said.

Which I couldn't be arsed doing, so thank you

davieg · 18 May 2011 at 17:05

Biohazard said:
Being able to control the heat better than canvas would be a good point, in extreme conditions or not so extreme.

You could probably drill out a bit in the roof for a chimney if needed.

Yeah but by the look of it you leave the inflatable up inside anyhow?
Am not saying its a bad Idea, was just wondering how much strength this stuff really adds thats all.

Dr House · 18 May 2011 at 17:06

Amazing idea. really amazing.

Biohazard · 18 May 2011 at 17:07

davieg said:
Yeah but by the look of it you leave the inflatable up inside anyhow?

It would seem so, gives it a nice look inside. I guess you can remove it if you wanted to however, or at least tear at sections off the ceiling.

The wall didn't seem to still be covered with the canvas, where the plug sockets were for example...

davieg said:
Am not saying its a bad Idea, was just wondering how much strength this stuff really adds thats all.

It's concrete, so probably quite a lot over fabric tbh.

sorn21 · 18 May 2011 at 17:11

davieg said:
why not just use the inflatable and sod the concrete off though?

Because then you will need continual 24/7 electricity to fuel the pump.

I think it's a great idea.
For the person who mentioned earlier that it wasn't portable to remote locations, airlift by helicopter.

iraiguana · 18 May 2011 at 19:58

Good idea, in the short term this would not easily be deliverable. As many have said it is better effective a couple of days after for longer term relief. In the example of earthquakes, I suspect you don't want a semi-permanent concrete structure having to withstand repeated aftershocks. Other events though would be perfect and being able to construct emergency hospitals which are clean and secure would be invaluable!

Tomsk · 18 May 2011 at 20:52

kenmare said:
I guess it's not strong enough to stop bullets?

Don't know why I'm curious. :/

It could be reinforced by incorperating layers of kevlar into the fabric base.

bitslice · 18 May 2011 at 21:07

Don't tell the Mafia,
they will start making overcoats out of it.

Chris1712 · 18 May 2011 at 21:11

Pretty cool, but not that far fetched from the same techniques that have been making concrete domes for centuries.

Begbie · 18 May 2011 at 21:11

Cracking idea! Can see the military etc jumping on this!

Raymond Lin · 18 May 2011 at 21:14

All it needs is a window.