DEVELOPING NATIONS
SUITABILITY OF MINAEAN’S QUICK-BUILD SYSTEMS
FOR DISASTER RELIEF OPERATIONS
Developing countries in the Western Hemisphere are often subject to severe weather. Some suffer earthquakes. Skilled labor can be limited. These are conditions that can make block-and-plank construction a frustrating experience. But none of these conditions is a drawback to building with Minaean's Quik-Build™ Systems.
Our material is safer in lightning storms because it grounds electricity. It mocks termites. Mold and water rot? Forget it. (And no, it won't rust, thanks to standard galvanization and optional coatings.) Buildings of light gauge steel are more stable in earthquakes, and put less stress on foundations. And whether you're building luxury homes or low-cost housing, you can erect LGS structures using local labor.
The construction industry worldwide is well-entrenched in using tried and tested conventional construction methods and materials during the normal times. However, every time a natural calamity or disaster strikes any part of the world, the industry experts wake up to the need to have innovative construction technologies with better and stronger materials and new methods, which can rebuild the destroyed buildings and property, faster, more economically and at the same time provide more durable and safer buildings.
Minaean International Corporations has developed and patented their innovative Light Gauge Steel Load
Bearing Wall panel Construction System – trademarked as the “Vesta Quik-Build” system, keeping in mind the great potential for this system in assisting in disaster relief operations. The light-weight components can be easily transported to remote locations and due to their relative simplicity can be easily and quickly erected using semi-skilled local labor. Where conventional construction methods can construct 100 houses, Minaean’s LGS Systems can construct over 500 using the same amount of time and labor, and with better training, planning and equipment can easily double this number. In fact, Minaean introduced their construction system in India just after the massive earthquake in north-east India in Gujarat, where it drew a mixed response initially due to the newness of the system.
Light Gauge Steel (LGS), insulation material and fiber cement cladding are the three main elements of the system which are systemized to make up kits as per the requirement of the type of houses to be constructed. While there are no construction materials or systems that can be termed as disaster “proof”, Minaean’s system are disaster “resistant” and certainly provide a stronger and more durable building better capable of withstanding earthquakes and high winds. However the major advantage of this system would be in quickly rebuilding destroyed houses and rehabilitating the victims and helping them with their life to return to normalcy.
Minaean have already received serious enquiries through their associates in Sri Lanka and are shipping a few demo units by the end of January 2005, with the intention of involvement on a large scale basis during the second phase of disaster relief when permanent dwelling units need to be provided.
