DATE: Saturday 30th July 2022
LOCATION: Kathmandu Red Cross HQ
INSTRUCTOR : Samir Nepal
and assistant Laxmi Prasad Acharya
PARTICIPANTS: 4 members of Nepal Red Cross, 1 engineer from CRS and 17 volunteers ( mainly Rotaract) from the community.
SHELTERS BUILT: the Standard RSK shelter
SUMMARY: Many of the participants were building the shelter for the first time and the results were impressive. After an initial practical session building RSK roof frames, a single standard RSK shelter frame was built.
This RSK shelter frame was then used to demonstrate the different methods used for tarpaulin attachment.
These training courses continue to improve the capacity of our emergency shelter response capability and I am very grateful to all the volunteers for this assistance.
I have added my comments to some of these photos to highlight some of your achievements and their relevance to the RSK Shelter Project in Nepal.
Shaun Halbert
RSK Shelter London
Red Cross briefing
The bamboo you used today is thicker than usual. This is fine as in training we deliberately use whatever bamboo is available. This prepares us for having to use any size bamboo in an emergency.
The completed central 4 pole reciprocal frame. Overlap and lashings are very good.
Using a 75cm length baton like this makes frame assembly quicker and more accurate
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Lifting the reciprocal frame at each corner is a good method of demonstrating that it is a "self supporting " structure
The completed roof frame. The thicker poles make the centre of the roof frame lift higher off the ground then usual, but this is absolutely fine.
Working together as a team greatly improves efficiency
The standard RSK shelter frame nears completion
Demonstrating using thin nails with a washer for attaching split bamboo tarpaulin strips. Using lashings at each joint reduces any risk of splitting the bamboo.
Frame complete, split bamboo strips are being added to further support the tarpaulin walls
Practising different tarpaulin attachments. The shelter is highly versatile. This adaptation does not have the usual front awning extended
The front of the shelter is higher than usual; this has both advantages and disadvantages regarding various factors including ventilation. This all helps us in assessing the optimum eaves height for this shelter.
Individual adaptations and additions made by beneficairies are always encouraged. The RSK is a basic kit that can be upgraded as needed when further bamboo becomes available
Discussing the shelter options and variations in height
Demonstrating burying the lower tarpaulin edge in the ground.
Dignified living space achieved.
Our work to standardise the dimensions for this shelter continues