Abstract
With our present day technology it is not too difficult to construct buildings that will last for comparable long periods, but this may very well be longer than their usefulness. There are many examples of buildings standing empty because they have become economically or socially undesirable. Perhaps we should take another look at structural durability as one of the major factors in evaluating a building. It is the conviction of the author that light weight, non-permanent, very low cost structures can also be of great usefulness in the world today. It has become increasingly evident that a definite need exists for very low cost structures. The basic building elements can be accomplished by industrial procedures. Structures of this type need to be designed and of course, must fit specific requirements. Change and improvements will also be necessary to meet the needs and wants of the people in particular situations. The purpose of this thesis is to explore one building material--namely paperboard, and to design and construct elements of buildings using this material. These elements will be related to existing, present day requirements. Construction and use of corrugated paperboard as a major structural material is feasible with respect to shelter units for housing. The paper industry and various agencies of the government have shown a definite interest in this research, and desire to learn more about the possible structural value of this material. In conclusion, it should be clearly pointed out that a great a-mount of research and hard work will need to be accomplished before a marketable shelter unit can be manufactured. Some of the problems relating to construction with paperboard have been solved; many others need additional study. It is strongly believed that paperboard material has advantageous properties and that with continual development can play an important part in the solution to the problems as outlined. If the aim to achieve a habitable world is important, then we must find the right approach; and we must continuously progress in a never-ending cycle of research and development.
Thorpe, Roscoe Paul (1965). The feasibility of using paperboard as a basic material for housing shelters. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1965 -THESIS -T521.