Rapidly deployable structures for the tourism industry in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This research involves the concept of creating rapidly deployable ecofriendly cabanas for the tourism industry in Sri Lanka. The cabanas are to be pre-fabricated; thus could be purchased off the shelf and assembled at site. The tourism Industry in Sri Lanka has witnessed rapid growth since May 2009 and the concept of deployable structures could benefit largely in improving the accommodation facilities in the country. The primary objective of this research is to conceptualize the design of a structure such that it could be dismantled within three days and re-assembled within three days without the use of any heavy machinery. The structure is expected to be eco-friendly, and energy' efficient. Furthermore all elements of the structure could be transported by a single container. This research explains the potential advantages of having deployable structures in Sri Lanka's tourism industry such as speedy construction, transportability, reusability, low initial investment, instant cash flows, promoting the concept of effective and efficient land use and ecofriendly tourism. In addition important considerations such as membrane selection, floor truss arrangement, footing arrangement, arched beams as well as sustainability are also discussed. This research finally analyses a real life example of a deployable structure for the tourism industry and the content of this research includes primarily the knowledge gathered during the design phase of this project. This research is presented with the sole intention of disseminating information that would be considered useful in such future projects that could uplift and enhance the tourism industry in Sri Lanka.