Amusing. Ah, the boundless visions of the naive. It sounds like this was a graded project.
It would negate the security aspect of a door (if anyone could quickly open it); would be leveraged by debris landing on it; potentially creates a trapped space; would require solid core doors in place of the usual hollow core door (in places such as Haiti that couldn’t afford it?) and it would be almost amusing to see two ‘standard’ sized Americans trying to huddle under one door. Perhaps two people in her country, but things are different here even for skinny folks, we’re bigger.
The best advice is to get out if safely possible, then get away from any structure, not to hunker down under a table when escape is still an option.
I suppose the concept is a start, but placing this type of device on a wall, in a corner (two directional strength) might be a better option.
Rick
From: Lin Kerns
Research by a Kingston University MA student has led her to design a door which could be used as a shelter after an earthquake.
The MA Design: Product and Space student was motivated by the terrible loss of life in
"My starting point was the inherent strength of a door frame within a wall -- they often remain standing when many of the supporting walls fall down. Also there are more doors inside most homes than there are people so everyone in the house should be able to find a door," Younghwa, who is studying on the MA Design: Product and Space course, said.
Initially, Younghwa's door looks unremarkable but, in an emergency, it can swivel horizontally on a central pivot a little less than a metre above the ground. At the same time, the door folds horizontally so the bottom half of it remains on the ground, anchoring it to the floor and providing additional protection.
There is a small cabinet built into the door frame in which Younghwa has housed a wind-up torch, sachets of drinking water and medical supplies. "There should be enough room for two people to huddle under each door," she said.
"The guidance for building occupants during an earthquake is to remain inside the building and take shelter under a strong table. My door is designed to be stronger and more stable than a table and -- as it isn't a flat surface -- most debris will slide off it."
Story Source:
The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by Kingston University.
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