A full scale rubble-house construction and testing project powered by undergraduate student volunteers workforce

Abstract

In January 2010, a devastating earthquake destroyed several concrete and masonry structures, killed more than 200,000 people, and left thousands of families homeless in Haiti. As part of the relief work, replacement homes have been built by U.S. non-profit organizations in areas severely hit by the earthquake. Considering the vast availability of post-earthquake rubble, a house built with walls comprised of welded wire baskets filled with loose rubble seemed to be an inexpensive and immediate solution for the needy. Conscience International, Inc. has used a unique construction technique and built more than 70 rubble houses over the last two years. In August 2011, Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU) in collaboration with Conscience International, Inc. (CI) initiated a preliminary research effort to assess the seismic resistance of such rubble houses. The first phase of this research project was to build a full-scale (14 ft. wide, 20 ft. long and 8 ft. tall) rubble house and subject it to static load testing. The project started under the limited sponsorship of both parties and largely depended on donations, student volunteers and unpaid faculty time. In order to increase exposure to the university community and promote student involvement, a full-scale rubble house was built in the middle of SPSU campus. During construction, more than 600 hours of engineering and non-engineering student labor time were spent. This paper focuses on undergraduate student involvement during construction and testing phases. Results of survey administered among volunteered students are also presented. It appears that volunteers enjoyed this humanitarian hands-on project activity, and expressed a strong desire to see similar opportunities on the campus. Overall, the project has made positive impacts on students' approach to community issues, interest in volunteer activities, and team-work skills. © 2012 American Society for Engineering Education.