Concrete can be manufactured to an inexhaustible range of specifications; it has been manufactured to suit all sorts of applications from bridges and buildings, to safety systems like airplane arresting systems. These innovations are made possible by using different proportions of the natural ingredients in concrete or by the use of different materials mixed with concrete.
While this is great it is nothing to write home about. However, recently I have found a very innovative use for concrete, something that could drastically change humanitarian efforts and military missions…
Need a New Home
A U.K. based company came up with a very bright idea of creating an inflatable concrete tent, designed for rapid deployment in disaster zones. The Concrete Canvas Shelter is delivered in a flat-pack (as shown in video). This flat pack protects the tent from air and water until ready for use. The tent is inflated via an electric fan and is made from a canvas material that is impregnated with dry concrete.
Watch the Setup!
It only takes two people, a lot of water, and a truck to put this thing together, check it out!
This company sells both a civilian version and a military version of this structure. The civilian version comes in two sizes: 25 square meters and 50 square meters. I was unable to fined details on the cost of these.
Concrete Canvas is the name of the company if you are interested.
Would you spend a few nights in one of these? I know I would!