Study of strength characteristics of long-term and rapidly deployable geodesic dome shelters for the needs of EMERCOM airmobile groups

PURPOSE. The article deals with examples of eliminating natural and man-made disasters with the involvement of means and forces of EMERCOM of Russia. The authors note the need to search for alternative options for structural layouts of long-term shelters to ensure the possibility of accommodating people during emergency situations elimination. A functional analysis of the requirements for the design of long-term shelters is carried out. The results of an interdisciplinary study of the two types of structural layouts of geodesic dome shelters of increased capacity are presented. METHODS. On the basis of calculations by the method of strength finite element analysis, the authors have obtained the dependencies of stress and strain state of separate structure elements on the choice of the type and characteristics of the structural layout and conducted an integrated assessment of functional, strength and technological characteristics. FINDINGS. Applying the integrated approach, the design and technological solutions considered in the article will allow engineering new, more comfortable and technically advanced long-lasting and rapidly deployable dome shelters due to: – reducing the deployment time; – increasing mobility; – simplifying the deployment process thanks to the unification of structural elements; – simplifying the implementation of correct assembly visual control during the structure erection; – increasing safe operation life by reducing the maximum stress and strain values for especially critical (core support) parts of the structure; – simplifying the structure technical condition control while in service. These factors are especially relevant to solving the problems of accommodating large groups of people with pressing need for long-term housing in emergency situations. In the future, with the help of the approach described, it is possible to increase the operating efficiency of airmobile groups of EMERCOM while eliminating the consequences of emergency situations. RESEARCH APPLICATION FIELD. The use of the results obtained will make it possible to adequately choose the type of geodesic dome structural layout for creating long-term shelters in order to ensure operating efficiency of airmobile groups of EMERCOM while eliminating the consequences of emergencies. CONCLUSIONS. The comprehensive comparison of the two types of structural layouts in terms of strength, technological and functional criteria has demonstrated the undeniable advantages of the second type (a hemisphere based on a cylinder) compared to the first one (3/4 of a sphere segment).