The present disclosure is directed to a solar-powered shelter for producing and storing electrical power and/or water; the shelter comprises a roof (1) arranged with one or more photovoltaic modules (4) and/or one or more devices (17) for dehumidifying ambient air, and a structure (8,9) arranged underneath the roof.

The disclosure presents a composite conduit formwork structure which includes a cylindrical outer casing adapted to bond with a cylindrical inner casing which are maintained at a fixed distance apart by a plurality of radial stanchions. The inner casing and outer casing form an interior void which is filled with concrete during manufacture. The outer casing and inner casing remain in place to protect the structure once completed. A novel method of assembly is also provided whereby radial stanchions are rotated between the outer casing and inner casing. All of the components in a preferred embodiment are formed of a fiberglass material.

The disclosure presents a composite conduit formwork structure which includes a cylindrical outer casing adapted to bond with a cylindrical inner casing which are maintained at a fixed distance apart by a plurality of radial stanchions. The inner casing and outer casing form an interior void which is filled with concrete during manufacture. The outer casing and inner casing remain in place to protect the structure once completed. A novel method of assembly is also provided whereby radial stanchions are rotated between the outer casing and inner casing. All of the components in a preferred embodiment are formed of a fiberglass material.

An impact resistant exterior sheathing gypsum building panel with an integrated impact resistant woven mesh which protects against impact from projectiles such as those conveyed by hurricane force winds is provided. Methods for manufacturing these exterior sheathing gypsum building panels with an integrated impact resistant woven mesh are also provided. An exterior sheathing system employing the exterior sheathing cementitious building panel is provided.

An impact resistant exterior sheathing gypsum building panel with an integrated impact resistant woven mesh which protects against impact from projectiles such as those conveyed by hurricane force winds is provided. Methods for manufacturing these exterior sheathing gypsum building panels with an integrated impact resistant woven mesh are also provided. An exterior sheathing system employing the exterior sheathing cementitious building panel is provided.

A multi-threat security apparatus system for critical infrastructure protection is disclosed having an above-ground concrete base, a vertical post system adapted to be attached to the above-ground concrete base and to receive a plurality of louvers. The plurality of louvers provides the necessary ballistic protection for and air flow through to the critical infrastructure. The louvers may include a composite of aluminum foam, a resin impregnated ballistic material and an aluminum foam. The composite structure may be used on doors, panels or building walls.

A multi-threat security apparatus system for critical infrastructure protection is disclosed having an above-ground concrete base, a vertical post system adapted to be attached to the above-ground concrete base and to receive a plurality of louvers. The plurality of louvers provides the necessary ballistic protection for and air flow through to the critical infrastructure. The louvers may include a composite of aluminum foam, a resin impregnated ballistic material and an aluminum foam. The composite structure may be used on doors, panels or building walls.

A flood-resistant facility is obtained by constructing a flood-resistant barrier surrounding a plurality of buildings. The area surrounded by the flood-resistant barrier is such that an embankment is created, and the height of the upper end part of the flood-resistant barrier constructed on the embankment is at least the height of the flood depth of that region. By closing off an opening in the flood-resistant barrier during flooding, an isolated space is formed between the buildings and the flood-resistant barrier. A portion of the wall of one or more of the buildings protrudes to outside of the area surrounded by the flood-resistant barrier, and the wall surface of the protruding section is configured to be a water-resistant wall which has watertightness and is continuous with the flood-resistant barrier. Furthermore, the height of the flood-resistant barrier main body can be suppressed in an amount equivalent to the height of the embankment.

An impact shield for earthquake protection is described herein. The impact shield may include a canopy constructed of a puncture-resistant material, the canopy defining a first internal volume accessible via a first opening, the canopy being structured to form a semispherical shape when in an inflated state, the semispherical shape defining a space dimensioned for sheltering at least one human body; a support joined to the canopy and constructed of the puncture-resistant material, the support defining a second internal volume accessible via the first opening and a second opening, the support located within the space, the support structured to form a column when in the inflated state; and a fitting joined to the support for closing the second opening to fix the first internal volume and the second internal volume after inflation of the support and the canopy.

An impact shield for earthquake protection is described herein. The impact shield may include a canopy constructed of a puncture-resistant material, the canopy defining a first internal volume accessible via a first opening, the canopy being structured to form a semispherical shape when in an inflated state, the semispherical shape defining a space dimensioned for sheltering at least one human body; a support joined to the canopy and constructed of the puncture-resistant material, the support defining a second internal volume accessible via the first opening and a second opening, the support located within the space, the support structured to form a column when in the inflated state; and a fitting joined to the support for closing the second opening to fix the first internal volume and the second internal volume after inflation of the support and the canopy.