Abstract: It is known that panels moulded for structural use can be subject to undesirable levels of shrinkage and this can complicate their end use or a building made from them. It is an object of the invention to go at least some way to addressing this problem. Accordingly there is provided a method of significantly reducing panel shrinkage in the production of a structural building panel. The method involves spraying polyurethane foam onto a rigid open mould such that the foam substantially embeds mesh, which prevents or significantly reduces shrinkage of the polyurethane foam. A skin of polyurea is then sprayed over the polyurethane to enhance structural strength of the panel.

Abstract: A method for forming a building includes obtaining a mould, spraying a first spray material onto the outside of the mould so that it sets generally in the shape of the mould to provide a core. The core has side walls, and end wall integral with the side walls and a roof integral with both the side walls and end wall. A second spray material different to the first spray material is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the core to give it a rigid skin.

Abstract: A foldable, frameless emergency shelter is constructed from a radial array of bendable yet rigid panels such as of a foamed plastic. Panels have adjoining edges with matching convexly curved profiles. The edges are always held to each other with a flexible fastener such as an adhesive tape. During erection, a flat panel inherently deforms into a curved cylindrical tapered shape enclosing a space. A door and an optional floor are provided. The shelter has a rigid conical cap including holes for guy ropes, a door and an optional window.

Abstract: A foldable, frameless emergency shelter is constructed from a radial array of bendable yet rigid panels such as of a foamed plastic. Panels have adjoining edges with matching convexly curved profiles. The edges are always held to each other with a flexible fastener such as an adhesive tape. During erection, a flat panel inherently deforms into a curved cylindrical tapered shape enclosing a space. A door and an optional floor are provided. The shelter has a rigid conical cap including holes for guy ropes, a door and an optional window.

Abstract: One or more modules are each moulded as single units. Separately or fastened together they form a foundation resistant to ground movement including earthquakes and frost heave. A lower plane rests on a substrate. Perimeter and internal walls support a raised upper plane for receiving a building such as a rotationally moulded round house. Modules are made of reinforced concrete or rotationally moulded plastics and enclose internal cavities used as tanks or filled with a rigid foam. Lifting attachments are provided for transport of modules or temporary foundation lifting during rearrangement of a disturbed substrate.

Abstract: A set of prefabricated, interlocking plastics components for construction of a building of any shape is described. The components are preferably rotationally moulded or extruded as regular shapes (rectangles, triangles or hexagons) from thermoplastics materials. Moulding allows each component to be comprised of more than one region or layer of material, or to include a void. The building can be carried to a site as individual or aggregated components as dictated by the transport facilities available, then erected at the site. Disassembly is facilitated if non-adhesive fasteners are used to secure the tongue and groove joints.

Abstract: A single-axis rotational moulding apparatus conveniently forms planar or curved three-dimensional shapes of plastics, suitable as modules for buildings. An erectable, demountable building made of such modules may be shipped in the disassembled state and then erected by untrained personnel on a site. The modules may be made of wood or plastics. Preferred modules are made by rotational moulding and include insulation-filled cavities serving as thermal insulation. A further oven is used to fabricate large cylinders. After removal the hot cylinders are flattened into sheets of plastics material for use as flooring.

Abstract: A rotational moulding process replicates a product by conveying fusible materials of one or more compositions during a moulding procedure through an opening into a heated mould rotating in one axis inside an oven. Large products are feasible. A multi-layered product wall is constructed using for example an optionally dyed exterior and foaming granules in a middle layer. A bell-shaped product capable of conversion into a dwelling is made in this manner inside a metal mould, open at one end and slowly rotating about a horizontal axis in an oven.