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LPSA bridges.  Formally, this is a 20 m  (approx.) footbridge (right).  In reality, it is an analytical and practical LPSA demonstration of a formidable highway-class bridge, hence the initial multi-vehicle field loading.  The other three pictures show a general view with a profiled concrete approach, the inner safety strand barrier system and a close-up of a typical LPSA connector unit .  The latter depicts  the general arrangement of tensioning strands and safety barrier strands.  Bridge was mostly assembled by school children who also made the forms and cast the concrete approaches as part of an environmental education exercise.  This structure, one of two located in Coralville, Iowa, USA, was the subject of an article in Structural Engineering International.  Click here  to access the article.                                                                 

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Solar Dehydrator made from scrapped material.  Fig 1 depicts the wall frame components of the 0.75 cubic meter dehydrator shown in Figs 2 & 3.   These are made from 50x20 mm and 35x20 mm timber sections, hardboards, thin plywood pieces and window panels— all rescued from dismantled caravans (trailers).  An old fan heater helps to ensure dehydrator operation on less than sunny days.  The only new components used are: garden (galvanized) wire mesh (cut and shaped into trays), screws, foil paper and external black plastic sheeting.   The dehydrator is used to preserve surplus fruits and vegetables that would otherwise be lost.

 

In a world on the verge of environmental instability with increasing population and spreading poverty, this small project points to some low-cost projects that can be undertaken by individuals and small communities to conserve, preserve  and recycle.  A product like this simple dehydrator can become a nucleus for self-funding businesses that would contribute to combating poverty, joblessness and despair, especially in the countryside.  An equally important message here is the optimal recycling of sawn timber— a non-sustainable resource due to continuing global deforestation.