Cortex Shelter

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Cortex Shelter, Cutwork, Cortex Composites

Manufacturing/Building Method

Step 1: Delivery of building kit

Step 2: Unpack building kits

Step 3: Unroll concrete mats for the floor and hydrate

Step 4: Assemble envelope panels. a) assemble metallic tube framing; b) unroll concrete mats; and c) unroll and install interior insulation panels.

Step 5: Attach side panels

Step 6: Hydrate envelope and side panels, let dry

Step 7: Install doors, windows, and utilities

Intellectural Property Type

Select Type

User Provision Model

Cortex Shelter

Distributions to Date Status

Unknown

Design Specifications

The Cortex Shelter combines two main technologies: Geosynthetic composite mat for in-situ hydration or "rollable concrete mat," and a bendable metallic tube construction system or "metallic tube framing."

The rollable concrete mat is a fabric commonly used in the construction of infrastructure for water management, agriculture, landfill & waste, oil & gas, erosion control, and mining. The mat is applied on-site on top of the supporting surface or structure and then hydrated and left to dry for 72 hours. When it hardens, the mat creates a solid concrete shell that is also water-proof. The concrete mat is used for the floor, walls, and roof of the shelter.

The bendable tubes, on the other hand, consist of square-section tubes of custom-made dimensions. The tubes have pre-made cuts that allow builders to bend the tubes by hand to form architectural structures. The system does not require specialized tools or labor.

Technical Support

Provided by the manufacturer.

Replacement Components

Unknown

Lifecycle

30+ years

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The manufacturer aims to reduce up to 90% or the amount of concrete used in similar buildings and to double the compressive strength of traditional concrete. The reduction of concrete also increases carbon savings up to 90%, according to the manufacturer. Other performance targets mentioned by the manufacturer include assembly time reduction, technical labor required, and waste.

The performance statistics of the rollable concrete mat provided by the manufacture includes:

• Compression Strength: 7,000 psi (AMST C-109)
• Flexural Strength: 1,500 psi (AMST C-947)
• Punctural Resistance: 1,500 psi (AMST D-4833)
• Packaging: 8’ x 100’ x 0.5’’
• Ready for use in 72 hours after hydration

Vetted Performance Status

Testing performed by the manufacturer determined compression strength at 48.62 Mpa/in (AMST C-109), flexural strength at 10.34 Mpa/in (AMST C-947), and punctural resistance at 10.34 Mpa/in (AMST D-4833), however, no third-party testing has been found.

Safety

No known safety hazards are related to this product.

Complementary Technical Systems

A reliable source of clean water is required for the hydration of the rollable concrete mat.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

The rollable concrete textile used for the Cortex Shelter complies with ASTM Standards for Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mats.

Other Information

Other key elements included in the Cortex Shelter are solar panels, safe entrance door with key, toilet, shower, and electric cooking stove.