It is an important feature of RSK shelters that once the 4 pole reciprocal frame concept has been demonstrated to families, all the rest of the assembly uses traditional methods that are familiar to everyone.
It is not necessary to split any bamboo poles for this shelter.
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The roof frame of the RSK shelter is first lashed together on the ground. These cross lashed joints are not dependent on the quality of the lashing or strength of the tying; they can always be strengthened if needed by adding to or replacing a weak lashing after the frame has been assembled.
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If the emergency shelter is being built then this frame is simply lashed to two bamboo props for support.
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If the elevated RSK shelters are being built this roof frame is lifted onto 4 corner posts that have had simple slots cut in their tops using a saw or machete. Traditional methods are then used to attach the roof frame to these posts.
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The emergency RSK shelter can be built with just a knife to cut the ropes and lashings. The elevated shelters require either a handsaw or machete for cutting the slot in the top of posts and holes near the top of posts for roof attachment.
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The tools, ropes and wire in the IFRC shelter kit can all be used to assist the assembly of the RSK shelters.
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Bangladesh 2018
Photo S.Halbert Myanmar Delta 2016
The Red Cross instruct villagers in RSK assembly.
Photo S.Halbert Myanmar Delta 2016
Building the roof frame on the ground means that all the family can participate in assembly. Stronger lashings can be achieved on the ground rather than working overhead.
The roof frames a can be mass produced at one site and then each family can carry their frame to the location where they will build their shelter.
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