Local community members in Birtamode region, that had previously attended RSK training, built this standard RSK shelter in May in the tea fields. Throughout the monsoon rains it provided shelter and privacy for the tea workers; mainly women and babies. We are pleased to see that, during this time, the women maintained the shelter in the good condition that we see here. I am particularly pleased to see how durable the wrap around corner ties for the roof tarpaulin have performed and included further details of its importance in my comments below.
Workers from the tea fields
Standard RSK built in tea fields on 27th May 2023
Comments on this build:
1. The build is very good, especially considering it is the first time that the community built their own shelter since attending RSK training.
2. The builders have adapted the front flap of the roof tarpaulin for their own needs; but this, as we shall see, is useful.
3. The height of the roof is greater than what we usually advocate, and is likely due to the very hard ground resulting in the 4 support posts not being buried the full minimum depth of 40 cms .
4. They have achieved good tension in the roof frame tarpaulin edges . This is particularly seen at the top of the side ventilation opening and along the front edge of the roof frame.
The same RSK shelter 4 months later on 3rd Oct 2023
Comments on durability:
1. This shelter has achieved all of its temporary shelter objectives. There is no detectable distortion of the underlying bamboo frame and most of the tarpaulin attachment points have endured the weather well.
2. The strong attachment of the roof tarpaulin to the bamboo frame by the 4 corner wraps (see below) have performed particularly well.
3. The side wall tarpaulin has begun to sag at the upper ventilation opening. This is easily corrected by re-attaching under tension the side tarpaulin to the corner posts. It would be even better to add an additional horizontal side bamboo pole support for the lower edge of the side wall ventilation opening.
TARPAULIN ATTACHMENT
TO THE 4 CORNERS OF THE ROOF FRAME
1 Tarpaulin on top of 3 corner poles.
2 Tarpaulin wrapped around ends of poles.
3 Lashing rope wrapped around tarpaulin.
4 Lashing rope tied securely.
This very strong method of attaching the tarpaulin to the roof frame can also be used for the other types of RSK shelter that all use this same frame. It can be particularly beneficial for the emergency RSK shelter where rapid erection is required.
It should be noted that using this method of attachment to all 4 corners will reduce the length of the front flap that can be used to create an awning or to completely close the front of the shelter. If the full flap is required then other traditional methods can be used to attach the roof tarpaulin to the side poles of the roof frame.