RESET Bangladesh - Field Report

Field Research

Resilient Rural Housingin South West Bangladesh

December 2012

AcknowledgementsThis project was funded by the Department for International Development under contract number 2210082. It was delivered in the village of Boro Kupot, Satkhira district, south west Bangladesh, with the help and support of the local community, in association with field partners Practical Action Bangladesh, DHARA, the Self-Help Promotion Network, Plastic Buddha/People's Voice Community Video and Risal Ahmed. RESET Development is very grateful to all partners and particularly the inhabitants of Boro Kupot for their involvement in this project.

CreditsAuthorPractical Action Bangladeshin association withSelf-Help Promotion Networkand DHARA

Design & layoutMarianna Magklara

Cover ImageVillage in Satkhira district showing a mixture of vernacular and non-vernacular materials, Nikki Linsell

Published by RESET Development16 Hoxton Square, N1 6NT, Londonemail: [email protected]: www.reset-development.orgCharity No 1137511Company No 07144369

The Self-HelpPromotionNetwork

DHARACommunity based training & development

Table of contents

1 Introduction ...........................................4

1.1 Methodology ...........................................4

1.2 Study area .................................................5

2 Local ethnographic review ....................6

2.1 Income and education .........................6

2.2 Health and nutrition .............................7

2.3 Water and sanitation ............................7

2.4 Access to energy ....................................8

2.5 Risks and challenges .............................8

3 Regional housing analysis .....................9

3.1 Local vernacular ......................................9

3.2 Houses built by NGOs after recentdisasters ..........................................................10

4 Housing analysis ..................................12

4.1 Table of the houses .............................12

4.2 Analysis of the houses .......................13

4.3 Post occupancy evaluation ..............27

5 Construction techniques and skills ....29

5.1 Local construction skills assessment ....................................................29

5.2 Current issues with construction techniques .....................................................29

6 Regional mapping and site survey ....31

6.1 Introduction ...........................................31

6.2 Demarcation of project area ...........31

6.3 Local organisation mapping ...........32

6.4 Topographic and physical feature survey ..............................................................33

6.5 Conclusion ..............................................34

6.6 Recommendation.................................34

Appendix 1- Literature review ..............35

Appendix 2 - List of respondents...........39

Appendix 3 - Study survey questionnaire ...................................................................41

Appendix 4 ..............................................44


The multiple climate-induced disasters in the recent past have provoked a great deal of damage in the southwestern region of Bangladesh. With the aim to understand the damages in housing and infrastructure for better re-building, a team of experts visited the cyclone Sidr and cyclone Aila affected areas of Satkhira and Bagerhat District from 12th December to 16th December, 2010.

The members of the team were; Jalal Ahmad (Architect - Design Team Leader, J.A. Architects Ltd), Muhammad Ismail Ibrahim (Architect- Design Team Member), Tahmina Rahman (Architect - Disaster Management Specialist), Mohamadd Iqbal Karim (Team Leader - Practical Action), Dipok Chandra Roy (Project Coordinator), Kazi Nasima (Sociologist), Md. Shadakatul Bari (Engineer), Ahmed Ali (Technical Promotion Officer), Md. Fariduzzaman (GIS Specialist), Lipika Dasgupta (Executive Dirtector, Dhara), Bhupal Dasgupta (Director, Program, Dhara), Ashok. (Community Organiser, Dhara).

The regions covered were Munshiganj, Nawa Beki, Buri Goalini, Atulia, Gabura, Padmapukur and Syamnagar unions of Shatkhira district which are cyclone Aila affected areas, and Morrelganj union of Bagerhat district which is Cyclone Sidr affected area.

In particular, the field research included the study of the following features; traditional architecture, house types, morphology, materials’ availability and affordability of the distributed relief houses donored by different organisations.

1.1 Methodology

The technical team evaluated 14 NGO built houses within the region and conducted a Post Occupancy Evaluation. The most common concern of the habitants was that the houses provided by the NGOs were not cyclone/hazard resistant and would not be able to withstand a strong storm.

The organisations supporting cyclone affected families were; Islamic Relief, CCDB, Caritas, Muslim Aid, Oxfam, Practical Action for full shelter support and Concern Worldwide for partial shelter support in Shatkhira, Care Bangladesh, Red Crescent, Caritas, BRAC, ATN Media/TRI foundation and UNDP/RRF in Morrelganj.

The main stages of the methodology of the project were:

Spot visit to traditional houses and to the ones provided to cyclone affected families from different organisations.

The information on the organisations that worked on cyclone resistant shelters in these areas was gathered in advance. However, the samples used throughout the research were taken randomly.

Rapport building with the affected communities in order to make people understand our objective and tasks and what is the role of the community to achieve our objective.

Individual interviews with house owners and users.

1 Introduction

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Technical study of the house designs in terms of: materials, joineries, details, ground erosion, durability, corrosion, resistance against strong wind, tidal action and workmanship.

Transect walk to understand the social environment of the area in terms of livelihood, roads and other routes, plants and domestic animals, customs of the habitants, constrains and potentials.

Expert interviews with the following organisations; Oxfam, Solidarities International, Practical Action and DHAARA.

Focus groups with masons and local government staffs. For instance, six masons and five carpenters among other craftsmen participated in a meeting and shared their knowledge and experience.

Group interviews with people from the local governmental sector and individual interviews given by union members. FGD completed by locals to understand their views on current housing.

Review of the previous field report evaluations: see appendix one for a detailed literature review of the report ‘Post-Cyclone Sidr Family Shelter Construction in Bangladesh. Documentation of Plans and Processes, Shelter working Group, Bangladesh 2007-2009’

1.2 Study Area

The following maps, illustrate the visited areas in the broad region of Bangladesh:

Fig. 1: Visited union location on Bangladesh map

Fig. 2: Visited union location in Shyamnagar Thana

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A social study was conducted in Shyamnagar Upazilla which is Aila affected (Sathkhira District) and Morelgonj Upazilla which is Cidr affected within Bagerhat District.

Study villages are Pakhimara village (Padmapukur Union), Arepangashia and Burigoalini village (Burigoalini Union), Chackbara village (Gabura Union) and Nawabaki, Barakupat and Swalia village (Atulia Union within Shyamnagar Upazila), Paschim Jiudhara village (Jiudhara Union), Jiudhara village (Nishanbari Union) and Baraikhali village (Baraikhali Union within Moralgong Upazila).

We have conducted 73 individual interviews and 9 Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) by using a structured questionnaire which is included at the end of this chapter (Appendix Two). This report has been prepared on the findings collected from individual interviews and FGDs.

2.1 Income and education

After data analysis, it has been shown that in most families there is only one earning

member and in very few cases two earning members. The most common occupations in Morelgonj upazilla are; rickshaw, van-driving, boat man, tailoring, quake (village) doctor, post master, security guard, day labour, wood business, and various other business including poultry rearing, cow rearing, goat rearing, home stead vegetable gardening, private tuition and rapper (local name Katha) sewing. Due to saline water, the health condition of livestock is very poor.

On the other hand, the main occupations of the participants in Shyamnagar are boatman, rickshaw & van-driving, small businesses, fishing, shrimp culture, day labor (Earth cutting) and service holder with additional income sources such as tailoring, sewing, poultry rearing, etc.

The education level of the respondents is higher in Shyamnagar than Morelgonj upazilla. Most people of Shyamnagar upazilla have primary education which is less in Morelgonj but about 95%-98% children go to school from both areas. Apart from very few cases, registered schools have safe drinking water sources and sanitary latrines.

2 Local Ethnographic Review

Fig. 4: Expressing views durings FGDs

Fig. 3: Interviewing local people

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2.2 Health and nutrition

The nearest hospital is from 0.5 to7 km away and in some villages even further. For instance, in the case of Arepangashia, the nearest hospital is 15 km away. Poor access to hospitals is imposing negative effects on the people’s health.

In addition, due to the excessive use of unsafe water, people suffer from many types of diseases; cholera, dysentery, loose motion, skin irritation, skin-disease, chicken pox, fever, asthma, chest infections, cold, pneumonia, high blood pressure, stroke, paralysis, heart disease etc. In most of the cases, poor people get treatment from quake (Village) doctors and less poor people go to Dhaka. After Aila and Sidr, foreign doctors came to treat the patients of those areas. For treatment, The anual expenditure per family for treatment ranged from BDT 500 to 50,000.

Most of the respondents in Shamnagar stated that they may have three meals per day and no food problems, as they do work. However in Morelganj, most of the respondents stated that as they do not have many job opportunities, they cannot afford three meals per day and for this reason they suggested that in these areas, the Government or other Development Agencies should take initiatives for income generation like Garments.

2.3 Water and sanitation

The main sources of drinking water are rivers, wells, ponds and treated rainwater. In Morelgonj Upazilla, most people use pondwater since the well did not function. After Sidr however, they faced serious problems as the pondwater was seriously contaminated by saline water during tidal surges. Nowadays, they depend on pondwater and in few cases NGOs have supported rainwater harvesting systems. In Shyamnagar Upazilla, most people use the water from ponds and wells. After Aila, the contamination of groundwater by excessive saline has led to the abandonment of the wells. A new tube well installation is difficult and people depend on protected ponds and riverwater which is not safe. People collect drinking water from 6-7 km distance supplied by private sources, NGOs or the government but this procedure is time consuming and costly (mainly transport cost). Very few people use NGO supported rainwater harvesting system.

People use latrines built by themselves, the Government or NGOs (Uttaron, CCDB, Muslim Aid, Caritas Bangladesh, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Sushilon). The location of the latrines is close to their homestead. They use soap or ash after using the toilet however, they do not use soap before their meal.

Fig. 5: Interviewing women of the area

Fig. 6: Interviewing a man from the area

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2.4 Access to energy

As electricity is not available, most of the families use lamps and hurricanes for lighting. Nowadays, a small number of families use solar energy systems.

Most of the families use wood and leaves to light the fire for cooking but this leads to the generation of smoke which can cause health problems.

2.5 Risks and challenges

The main problem of people in these areas is safe drinking water and cyclone and flood resistant housing and shelter. Moreover, there seems to be a lack of awareness about the local building materials.

Most people are involved in shrimp culture which has damaged soil fertility for agricultural production due to the excessive saline intrusion into the soil. This causes great damage as no crop can grow properly and people cannot grow their own vegetables. Instead, they have to buy their daily necessaries at a very high rate.

So poor or very poor people suffer from malnutrition. In some villages, permanent migration of people took place due to job crisis after Sidr and Aila.

Potential threats include:

Climate change

River bed raised due to siltation

Sea water level raise

Deforestation

River erosion and embankment damage

Cutting embankment to enter saline water for shrimp culture

Possible measures for risk reduction include:

Stop embankment cutting Stop shrimp culture

Rebuild embankment considering height and strength

River dredging Forestation

Protection of rivers bank Build sluice gate/drainage channel

Fig. 8: Interviewing a woman from the area

Fig. 7: Focus Group Discussions

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3.1 Local vernacular

In Shatkhira, raised earthen plinth with thick walls, reinforced with “Goran wood” or bamboo sticks is very common. Straw is mixed to reinforce the plinth. Though bamboo is not generally grown in the region, it is used in constructions. Goran sticks are used as columns.

Windows are usually placed near the floor level with or no panels. One level rooms are are informally arranged around courtyards. Hipped roofs are constructed with CI sheet, asbestos sheet, straw or nipa palm.

Verandas are used as semi-open rooms with partial screens.

In Bagerhat region houses have usually one or two levels with compact plan. Plans are generally rectangular and have the main room and ancillary rooms all under the same roof. Verandahs are more covered than those of Shatkhira region. The upper floor is used for sleeping or for storage. Roof is hipped and made of CGI sheet or asbestos. Wooden planks or CGI sheet are used for the walls. Plinth is of mud. In some traditional houses, it was found that the wooden columns are not embedded in the plinth but rest on thick terracotta plates.

3 Regional Housing Analysis

Fig. 9: Indigenous house on high raised mud plinthFig. 10: Goran wood window ensures thermal comfort

Fig. 11: Interior of a house with windows at various levels for maximising cross-ventilation

Fig. 12: Low-dropping eaves designed to reduce uplift during storm. The veranda provides room for household activities.

Fig. 13: Traditional wall made of treated nipa palm tree

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In Shyamnagar, most of the respondents mentioned that asbestos is a better roofing material than CI sheet. CI sheets are vulnerable to rust due to excessive salinity. After Aila and Sidr, a great number of assets were lost; livestock, crops, trees, houses, furniture, books, medicine, business hubs, boats, nets, fish, with costs from BDT 100,000 to 200,000 per household. In some cases damage to dwellings caused casualties.

3.2 Houses built by NGOs after recent disasters Cyclone shelters are not available in these areas. The maximum distance of houses from cyclone shelters is 2-3 km. People protect themselves from extreme weather conditions by using mosques, temples, schools, colleges, sub-district offices, semi permanent buildings or embankments. Most people are reluctant or unable to go to cyclone shelters mostly because of the distance, psychological reasons or lack of knowledge. After Aila in Shyamnagar Upazilla (Satkhira District) and after Sidr in Moralgong Upzilla (Bagerhat District), most houses were reconstructed by the Government and NGOs.

Before Aila, houses were made with roof of Goalpata, wall of mud, earthen floor and wooden pillars.

Fig. 14: Wooden pillar base attached to mud plinth

Fig. 15: Joinery with riveting

Fig. 16: Use of asbestos in roof is an issue that needs to be tackled due to its carcinogenic effect

Fig.17: Painted C.I. sheet is used for rust prevention (left). Compare with bare C.I. Sheet (right).

Fig.18: “Golpata” is commonly used as roofing material

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Roofing materials are same at Moralgong but in some cases they use straw in roof, wood or bamboo for wall, RCC pillars and earthen floor. Some houses have veranda and hipped roof, elements that is absent in most other houses.

The daily labour costs between 200 and 250 takas with two meals included. Most of the NGO’s donored the total cost for a new house. In some cases however, beneficiaries shared the costs with the NGO. Total expenditure per house was between 25,000 and 180,000 takas in BDT. Costs vary depending on materials, size, shape and location.

In order to develop these houses, NGOs seeked labour from different places, mainly from Gopalgong, Bagerhat, Magura and Jessor. The materials used were locally available and were delivered by the organisations. Most respondents that were supported from NGOs or the Government comment that their house is small for the needs of their family and not resilient flood and cyclone. Almost every roof is gabled which makes it vulnerable to gusty orcyclonic winds compared to the traditional low height hipped roof. In most cases, the joints in the roof frame are weak.

The use, the absence or presence of the following features; extra roofs, brick walls,

pillars, tin or bamboo, depend on different NGOs. In some house, there were wooden or bamboo pillars while in other houses RCC pillars. The condition of the floor is the same compared to the previous situation. Another important observation is that some of the people received better dwelings than others.

The plinth in most houses was raised with mud. But as a great number of the houses do not have verandas or the roofs have not been extended or treated accordingly, it is highly likely that rainwater can damage the plinth. Also, the veranda roof and the main house roof are not well connected which could also possibly cause damage during cyclonic winds.

Some of the houses have been provided with rainwater storage tanks. It was observed that corrosion of building materials due to salinity, shortage of drinking water and water logging in some of the areas are the major problems of the region.

Most of the respondents interviewed thought that use of the following materials for house construction would be strong: Base construction with brick and concrete, RCC pillar, matured wood door windows, wood wall, heap roof with extra roof of asbestos.

Fig. 20: A typical 4-pitch traditional roof structure that withstood Cyclone Sidr

Fig. 19: In many areas there are poor sanitary conditions

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4 Housing Analysis

4.1 Table of the Houses

Satkhira Region

Bagerhat Region

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4.2 Analysis of the houses

Donor: Islamic ReliefOwner: Geeta MondalPeople: TwoVillage: ArpangashiaUnion: Buri Goalini

Features:

Dimensions: 10’- 7” x 20’- 10” High raised mud plinth

Two doors at front and side, two windows CI sheet wall

Gabled roof of CI sheet

Wood and bamboo used for roof frame

Four RCC pillars of 4” x 4” thickness at the corners

No provision for rainwater harvesting

Toilet not provided

Owner placed the kitchen beside the main house on the same plinth

No. 1Fig. 21: View of house No.1

Fig. 22: View of interior and the gabled roof

Fig. 23: RCC pillars placed at the corners of the house

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Donor: CCDBOwner: Sujata Chowkider People: SevenVillage: ArpangashiaUnion: Buri Goalini

Features:

Dimensions: 15’- 9” x 17’- 10”

High raised mud plinth

Two doors at the opposite front sides, two windows at the shorter sides

CI sheet and bamboo mat wall


Wood and bamboo used for roof frames

RCC pillars No provision of rainwater harvesting

Toilet not provided

Owner made secondary room connecting with the relief house that was used as the main room

Kitchen was placed beside the main room at the other side

Materials reused in construction of kitchen and secondary room

Clay tile, sticks of Goran wood for walling, coconut and betel nut wood reused in roof frames

No. 2

Fig. 24: View of house No.2

Fig 25: The courtyard and the high raised mud plinth

Fig. 26: View of house’s interior

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Donor: Caritas Owner: Arati Rani Koyal People: SixVillage: ArpangashiaUnion: Buri Goalini

Features:

Dimensions: 17’- 2 ” x 19’- 8”

High raised mud plinth with tapered ferrocement boundary

Ferrocement entry steps at the front One door, no window

Bamboo mat wall Division of bamboo mat at the middle for two rooms



Twelve RCC pillars Short bracing used on the outer wall

Veranda at the front with CI sheet roof

No provision of rainwater harvesting

Toilet not provided

Users made veranda at the front of CI sheet roof and wood screen

Veranda used as semi-covered ancillary functional space

Kitchen placed at the side in the same plinth

No. 3


Fig 28: View of the outer wall with the short bracing

Fig. 29: CI sheet is used for the gabled roof and bamboo mat for the walls

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Traditional Home Owner: Amal Kumar Mondol People: FiveVillage: ArpangashiaUnion: Buri Goalini

Features:

Dimensions: 21’- 8” x 29’- 5” High raised brick plinth and mud plinth Neat cement finish entry steps at the front Windows at various levels Walls made of different materials like wood and mud Gabled roof of CI sheet and golpata Provision for rainwater collection Kitchen provided with proper shading and chimney

No. 5


Fig 31: View of the walls and the high raised plinth

Fig 32: Golpata is used to cover the roof

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Donor: Muslim Aid Owner: Liton and Parul People: SevenVillage: NoyabekiUnion: Noyabeki

Features:

Dimensions: 14’- 0” X 17’- 8”


Two doors at front and side, four windows

CI sheet wall



RCC pillars

Provision for rainwater harvesting

A toilet and a tap were given to each house

User made secondary room that was used as the main room

No. 6


Fig. 34: The courtyard and the high raised mud plinth

Fig. 35: The house is equipped with a rainwater harvesting system

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Donor: Practical Action Owner: Pilot Project Village: AtuliaUnion: Syamnagar

Features:

Dimensions: 20’-0” x 10’-0”

RCC platform raised on six 10” x 10” RCC pillars Stairs at the entrance, no railings

Two large doors at the both ends, two doors at the entrance, four windows

Brick wall

Gabled roof of ferrocement

Doors and windows of metal plate

One toilet at the back of the house

Donors suggest that this can be used as community shelter case of an emergency

No. 7

Fig 36: View of house No.7

Fig. 37: There are no railings but stairs at the entrance of the house

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Donor: Oxfam Owner: Mijanur Rahman Gazi People: FourVillage: Chak Bara Union: Gabura

Features:

Dimensions: 12’- 0” x 17’- 9”


Two doors, one at the front and one at side, three windows

CI sheet wall



RCC pillars

Plinth was raised as cash for work

Sixteen piece of CI sheet was used for roof and twenty four for wall

8,500 taka was given to the owners

No provision for rainwater harvesting

Toilet provided

Construction was monitored and no other ancillary structures were allowed to be constructed around the house (veranda or other rooms)

No. 8

Have solar home system - 50watt (Operating 3 light and one black and white TV)

Oxfam built 400 houses within 2 months period


Fig. 39: View of house’s interior

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Donor: Concern Worldwide Owner: Rabeya Begum and Sirajul IslamPeople: Four Village: Padmapukur Union: Gabura

Features:

Dimensions: 12’ - 0” x 15’ - 0”

Assistance was provided to those whose houses were partially damaged

Fourteen CI sheet, eight pieces of bamboo and 600 takas were provided

Users made their own house with assistance and were provided with materials and capital

Houses varied depending on the needs of each family

Old materials were re-used in construction

No. 9


Fig. 41: CI sheet covers the roof and the walls are constructed from bamboo mat

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Donor: BRAC Owner: Tanzira BegumPeople: Three Village: BaroikhaliUnion: 2 no ward District: Bagerhat

Features:

Raised mud plinth with brick boundary

One door at front, two windows

Bamboo mat wall

Cross bracings at the outer side of the back and side walls

No. 10

Hipped roof of CI sheet

Wood used for roof frame

Four RCC pillars at the corners, wooden pillars in the middle

Veranda at the front with wooden pillars with clamps

Fig. 43: Cross bracings at the outer side of the walls

Fig.42: View of house No.10

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Donor: UNDP/ RRFOwner: Altaf HossainPeople: Four Village: Geo DharaUnion: Geo DharaSub-district: Gio DharaDistrict: Bagerhat

Features:

Semi pucca house

House cum shelter

Door and window frame is made with mehagoni wood and Chambol wood Floor made by the beneficiaries Water enters into the house during rain as the roof extension is very much less

Raised cc plinth with brick wall Hipped roof of CI sheet with metal frame

Extension of the house is seen made by the dwellers

One door at the front

The interior of the house is dark

There is a loft space in the house which is used for storage

No. 11


Fig. 45: There is only one door at the front of the house and very few openings that prevent sunlight from entering the house

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Donor: Tri Foundation / ATNOwner: Sujon SheikhPeople: Three Village: BaroikhaliUnion: BaroikhaliSub district: Gio DharaDistrict: Bagerhat

Features:

Dimensions: 10’ x 18’ with veranda 6’ x 18’

Wood (Shishu) made frame

Roof and fencing of CI sheet

No windows

No. 12

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Donor: CARE Bangladesh Owner: Dolly Begum Family: Four peopleVillage: Baroikhali Union: 2 no ward Sub-district: MorrelganjDistrict: Bagerhat

Features:

Dimensions: 17’- 0” x 19’-7”

Mud plinth not much raised

Twelve RCC pillars

One door at the front, four windows

Bamboo mat wall

Gabled roof of CI sheet and metal truss frame

Semi covered veranda at front

A rainwater collection tank was provided

No. 13


Fig. 47: View of the rainwater collection tank

Fig. 48: View of the interior - metal truss frame and CI sheet covers the roof

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Donor: Red Crescent Owner: Ripon Shekh Family: Four peopleVillage: Baroikhali Union: 2 no ward Sub-district: MorelganjDistrict: Bagerhat

Features:

Dimensions: 18’ - 0” x 18’ - 8”


One door at the front side with a number of windows

Wooden walls

Gabled roof of CI sheet and metal angle frame Wooden truss

Use of Shirish wood and galvanised corrosion free bolts

No. 16


Fig. 50: View of the house’s entrance

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Traditional HouseVillage: Baroikhali Union: 2 no ward Sub-district: MorelganjDistrict: Bagerhat

Features:

Dimensions: 24’- 0” x 28’- 4”

High raised mud plinth Three doors at front, middle and rear

Wooden Walls

Gabled roof of C I sheet and wooden frame 24 wooden pillars Use of vibrant colors

Loft space used for living and storage

Covered veranda at front and rear

This house withstood during Cidr Cyclone

No. 17


Fig. 52: Vibrant colours are used at the outside

Fig. 53: Loft space is used for living and storage

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4.3 Post-Occupancy Evaluation

The most common concern among the habitants has been that the houses provided were not cyclone resistant and could not withstand a strong storm. The houses are of gabled roof which is not suitable for strong wind. Only the BRAC house has a hipped roof. The houses have mud plinth but rainwater protection has not been carefully considered. Rainwater coming from the roof could be channeled and a storage tank could be provided. In addition, the CI sheet is not thick enough.

Families with few members were left satisfied with the dimensions of the house. However, people with larger families complained that the house was very small for everyone to fit in.

Following a survey of the occupant satisfaction levels in the two regions, two contrasting scenarios came to surface. It was observed that the locals in the Bagerhat region, which received substantial relief operations after the cyclone Sidr, became overly-dependent on aid and reluctant to enhance their local habitat themselves. On the other hand, in Satkhira where the effects of cyclones were more severe and less relief has been provided, people were more pro-active and satisfied with little help.

Owners’ Feedback on Organisations

Islamic Relief

High raised mud plinth appreciatedCriticised the carpentry joints and workmanshipComplained about the lack of protection of the plinth from the rain

CCDB

Additional structures were made around the relief house

High plinth appreciatedComplained about the absence of rain protection of plinthCriticised the material and size of toilet

Caritas

Made additional rooms at the side and veranda at the front Ferro-cement tapered plinth was appreciatedInformed windows inside the house could make the space betterMaximum number of RCC posts much appreciated Used the veranda as a semi open room

Muslim Aid

Made additional semi-open room and veranda at the frontComplained about the connection joints

Practical Action

Only a model has been built in the community for display It has not been used for occupancy yet Generating interest among the locals

Oxfam

Has been provided by the donor as transitional shelter.Strict inspection was followed that no one builds any additional structures Occupants thought they could improve the house with additional rooms and veranda if they were allowed to No protection of plinth from the rain

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Red Crescent

Complained about the bamboo mat wall as it does not prevent cold airThe platforms overhead for storage very much appreciated

Concern/ Shushilan

Aid was given to those whose houses were partially damaged in the form of building materialsOccupants added extra materials and cash with the provided aid. They used locally available and affordable materials on their own like wooden planks, bamboo mat, bamboo post, asbestos sheetMaterials were recycled where possibleEach house is different according to need and ability.

CARE

Complained about the bamboo mat wall as it does not prevent cold air. Complained about the partially covered verandah that it could be fully covered and be used as an extra room The PSF with each house much appreciated

BRAC

The only hipped roof house among the donors’ provided houses.Appreciated the cross bracing on walls and brick protection wall around the mud plinth.

UNDP/ RRF

The Semipucca House can also work as shelter, but the interior is dark and poorly ventilated. The use of brick wall is out of context with respect to the surrounding environment.

ATN/ Tri Foundation

Complained much as the house has only one door and no windows. Informed that it becomes very hot in summer and cold in winter. As the occupants made extra rooms in front of it, ventilation is very poor.

Traditional house (Shatkhira Region)

Occupants complained about the binding quality of mud for plinth and wall construction.Informed traditional houses are more comfortable to live.

Traditional house (Bagerhat region)

Occupants are getting more dependent on industry produced materials like C I sheet, asbestos. They can rebuild after disaster if they have economic ability and materials are available. Informed traditional houses are more comfortable to live.

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5.1 Local construction skills assessment

The traditional houses are built with locally available natural and industrial materials like mud, wood, bamboo, CI sheet, PVC pipes, asbestos, straw and nipa palm. The methods and techniques in construction are traditional.

The houses provided by the organisations used some new materials like ferro-cement, RCC columns, and metal angles for frames. Training for these new materials semms to be necessary. It was observed that timber joints and other craftsmanship provided by the organisations lacked good finishing in many houses.

Also, as a large number of carpenters was needed during the construction period, many unskilled carpenters were hired. Trainings in this respect will improve the quality.

5.2 Current issues with construction techniques

Mud is a common material for plinth construction in both regions. However, the binding quality of the mud is reduced due to the long stagnation of saline water.

Saline water constitutes a major problem for reinforcement and masonry construction. The steel reinforcement gets corroded quickly. Bricks produced in the region have salt particles and are not very durable. It is hard to get saline-free water for cement mixing.

The locals do not treat the vertical posts either of RCC or wood with any coating or chemicals. The posts may need treatment for environmental protection.

5 Construction Techniques & Skills

Fig. 54: Craftsmen working with under-equipped tools

Fig. 55: Drinking water scarcity is a major problem in the region. Rainwater harvesting or PSF (Pond Sand Filter) were not provided by some NGOs.

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The craftsmen mentioned the scarcity of good timber for construction. Some mentioned that if they had better tools they would have been able to perform better. Some areas of Satkhira have become almost barren from homestead large trees that can prevent strong wind as a consequence of salinity after cyclone Aila. Improvement of living condition through homestead gardening and livestock rearing can help in the sustainability of the households.

Fig. 56: Due to the local scarcity, drinking water has to be transported to the region from distant places

Fig. 57: Some houses have vegetable gardens and rainwater harvesting facilities

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6.1 Introduction

The Survey Report is an overview of the survey data along with maps and drawings of the project area. Its main purpose is to understand the existing situation and to make future scenarios of the project area. The client has been directly involved in the survey in order to facilitate the work and to assist the surveyors to demarcate the site, understand the locality and collect substantial information. The Survey Report consists of two parts; the Physical Feature Survey and the Topographic Survey. The objectives of the report are the following:

To identify the existing land use, topographic and physical conditions, transportation and drainage system

To identify the flood flow and sub-flood flow zones, low laying, water logging or other natural hazardous area

The scope of survey report can be described as follows:

To create an adequate database for future Plans for the Project Area

To develop a topographic and physical feature map that includes the utility facilities characteristics

To conduct Land Use Survey, Field Data Maps, Assessment Survey Findings and to provide recommendations

6.2 Demarcation of project area

The Location of the Proposed Cyclone Resistance house is in Atulia Union, Shaymnagar Upazilla, Satkhira District. It is situated around 200 meters West side of the union Parishad at Nayabaki Bazaar and is adjacent to the PAB Cyclone Resistance House.

6. Regional Mapping & Site Survey

Fig. 58: Geographically the site location is between 89°11'58.23"E to 89°12'0.85"E and 22°20'51.00"N to 22°20'47.24"N

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6.3 Local organisation mapping

Fig. 59: Local organisation map

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Fig. 60: Topographic map

Fig. 61: Physical feature map

6.4 Topographic and physical feature survey

In the earth sciences and geology sub-fields, a landform or physical feature comprises a geomorphologic unit, and is largely defined by its surface form and location in the landscape, as part of the terrain, and as such, is typically an element of topography. Water, in our study we only considered the physical objects in the surface. The main elements of the physical features are existing road network, water channel, drainage network, static water bodies, structures, utility line features and various point features. For full details of the methodology used please refer to Appendix 3.

The total Project Area is around 1951.883 square meters, 0.482 acres. Our survey area is around 3 acres, along the road side and up to Nayabaki bazaar. An important LGED’s Road, Atulia to Shaymnagar, 6 meter wide black top pucca road, is passing through the North side of the site. Two important pucca high ground level structures have been already placed within the project area; the PAB Cyclone Resistance House and the Health Centre (421.50 square meters ground cover 3 storied under constructions building). There is also one cattle shed in the Eastern side of the site. At the southern side of the Project Area a shallow depth water body is situated. Also there is an ice factory, just at the opposite side of the project, next to the LGED’s Road. There is no any bench mark of PWD (Public Works Department) or SoB (Survey of Bangladesh) near the area.

We used handle GPS and other secondary source for calculating the RL. We assume that the Road top level is 3.5 meter high from the mean sea level which may be deviate 1 meter maximum. The project area is around 1.25 to 1.75 meter down from the existing road level. The embankment of the adjacent River is 1.5 to 2 meters high from the existing road level.

Two topographic and physical feature maps are given below.

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6.5 Conclusion

The project location is very close to Sunderban and Bay of Bengal and a lot of rivers surround the area. Due to climate change, two devastating cyclones with tidal surges Sidr and Aila have occurred consecutively. During cyclone, tidal surges inundated vast area and the embankment system makes the area as a polder which obstructs water drainage. So for any types of infrastructural development, especially housing, the height of the basement should be carefully considered.

6.6 Recommendation

After discussions with the locals regarding the effects of the last cyclone, Aila, and taking into account that the LGED road was inundated 0.304 to 0.381 meters, we recommend that the basement of any new structure should be at least 0.457 meter high from the existing road level.

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Appendix 1 Literature Review

Post-Cyclone Sidr Family Shelter Construction in BangladeshDocumentation of Plans and Processes, Shelter working Group Bangladesh 2007-2009

Introduction

After cyclone Sidr, different organisations have reconstructed houses under shelter programmes guided by shelter working groups. The overall shelter programme documentation has been divided into the sequence of the process describing the programme objective, implementation, handover, monitoring and risk reduction strategy.

The scope and objectives are mentioned o n page ?. It includes four chapters which are the following; introduction, summary of findings, 29 case studies and conclusion. From the review, we have gathered some knowledge which is documented in this report.

Objective

The main objective of the literature review is to gather ideas and knowledge regarding design, techniques, materials or other resources in order to develop safe and resilient shelter houses. this information can be used from any shelter practitioner or organisation that support housing construction within this context.

Context

This publication has captured structural soundness, disaster risk reduction features, environmental and cultural sustainability and local acceptance of family shelters constructed by the major shelter providing agencies (page 5).

In the context of the post disaster action, despite the pressure to “build back faster”, some agencies managed to “build back better” within the donor driven demand by having a dialogue with and advocating the rights for the most vulnerable landless coastal population (page 6). However, environmental considerations like the green belt, embankment protection or the provision of water sanitation facilities were often ignored in order to provide a durable shelter within the limited budget.

Money and resources were spent by few agencies who often did not consider the tidal surge and flood protection issues for a durable water sanitation solution. Risk reduction initiatives such as advice on planning bigger trees away from houses to avoid house damage or the implementation of safe sanitation practices were considered only by very few agencies.

A holistic recovery approach with livelihood opportunities, tree plantation, homestead vegetable garden, livestock and poultry rearing were considered by very few agencies and only by those who plan to work for a longer term together with some local partners (page 7).The key learning experience from various shelter working group member agencies can be divided into two folds, programme objective and strategy as a process and defining the shelter response as a product.

Programme Strategy

Implementation was often decided as a top down strategy by the supporting agency. An successful strategy needs to address the issues of how to cover a larger population by improving the community capacity to “build back better”. As there are often no funds left for continuity or partnership with local agencies or for follow-up monitoring, the lessons are not always learnt from the programme.

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Disaster Risk Reduction

In case of extreme weather conditions, most coastal families wait till the cyclone starts to decide whether they should leave thir house. This happens mainly due to their need to protect their personal assets and privacy, and mostly due to the distance that one should cover during cyclone. Core shelter is the preferred solution compared to cyclone shelter because most people take refuge in a strongly built neighbour’s house or stay at their own.

The detail design for core or transitional houses should be well conceived and well explained to the implementing contractors and field staffs. Agency staffs need to be well trained and be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each design feature and the quality of shelter materials. During the construction and monitoring process many structures were left vulnerable as during the design of the basic details it was not taken into consideration the importance of strong connections and joints for every part of the house.

The total number of damaged and destroyed houses was 1,522,077 of which over 564,967 houses were fully destroyed and 957,110 houses were partially destroyed. This damage costed over USD 845 million. Cyclone Sidr , a category four cyclone with a wind speed of 200-240 kilometers per hour hit the southern coasts of Bangladesh on the 15th November 2007 (page 9).

Emergency Response

Emergensy response refers to emergency food, shelter and livelihood recovery (page 9).

Coordination & Early Recovery Assessment:

The early recovery assessment highlighted the following aspects; external help for the households, house types, land use, site constraints, refugee during cyclone, major challenges for rebuilding and suggestions by the house owners (page 10)

Cost & Funding

Cost and funding has been a joint assessment by the Government and international experts. The damage and losses in the housing sector reached 845 million. The combined fund allocated so far by the Government and the international donors to restore the houses was 126 million, barely 1/7 of what was really required (page 11).

Strategy & Intervention

Early recovery recommendations on transitional shelter highlighted two different processes; the core shelter programme and the model shelter construction (page 11-12).

Response & Reality

There was an indication in the early recovery intervention of “the model shelter construction”; The Government and the implementing agencies need to further explore the process of community training (page 12).

Findings

Process and Product: these issues are also analysed within three crosscutting criteria; DRR, Structural soundness and cultural acceptance (page 13).

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Findings on Process are divided into the following different sections; strategic plan, programme objective, coordination, assessment, funding and resources, implementation plan, monitoring, evaluation & accountability, handover & ownership, and exit strategy with respective findings (pages 14 to 16).

Findings on Product are divided into the following different sections site selection & planning, shelter design options, construction options, safe building promotion, water and sanitation options, public health promotion, DRR and owner response which respective findings (pages 16 to 17).

Case Studies

This section involves an overview of the ideas of the government and agency response process and product (page 18 to 46).

Under Government’s response process:case 1 - housing scheme for the landless case 2 - family shelter funded by the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (case 1 & 2 cost tk. 40,000).

Under the Agency response process: case 3 - shelter for the landless which are legisling land ownership indirect land facilitationcase 4 - transitional sheltercase 5 - permanent core sheltercase 6 - partnership or sub-contarcting, case 7 - livelihood recovery, impact of cyclone Aila2009 case 9 - technical monitoringcase 10 - accountabilitycase 11 - hand overcase 12 - permanent core housecase 13 - shelter awareness by disaster preparedness trainingcase 14 - relocation site preparationcase 15 - site planning, with various types of shelters, four types of which two are

transitional and two permanent core shelter case 17- overview of shelters built against the shelter working group’s minimum stamdards considering different main parts of the shelter like house size, roof, ceiling height, wooden framing, wall cladding, column, plinth and foundation case 18 - core shelters should to be able to indicate its hazard resistance capacity which is hazard class vs depth of water and cyclone category vs wind speedcase 19 - good practices derived from local and past experiencescase 20 - common construction problems found in the agency built shelters like loose connection of timbers, roof space can not be used as storage, etc.case 21 - built pilot house case 22 - prefabricated constructioncase 23 - basic technical knowledge components for shelter awareness trainingcase 24 - shelter repair programmecase 25 - design of water sanitation facilitiescase 26 - indicates house maintenance case 27 - build back bettercase 28 - house owners and risk reduction and case 29 - house extension which is main room with veranda

Conclusion

Since 1970, due to flood and cyclone, the country loses an average of 0.3 million houses fully and 0.5 million partially every year. As there is a strong link between natural disasters and migration, the housing shortage was estimated to be around 5 million in 2000. This indicates that there is the need to build at least one million new houses per year to keep up with the continuously increasing population (page 47).

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Challenges and learning

This chapter is divided into two categories; Strategic Challenges & Learning and Programme Challenges (pages: 48 -51).

The Strategic Challenges & Learning include the following points:1. Policy, guideline and advocacy2. Leadership and coordination3. Land issues4. World economic recession and donor fund allocation5. DRR and environmental sustainability6. Accountability and transparency versus Corruption

The Programme Challenges include:1. Contingency planning2. Assistance self-recovery: house repair kit and training3. Materials and access4. Climate and seasonal barriers5. Construction process6. Ensuring quality, standards and equality7. Technical expertise and practical examples8. Professional commitment

Recommendations

DRR is the mandate of Government and international communities. Cultural acceptance develops a people-centered and bottom up reconstruction process for future response. Structural soundness sets a benchmark and time frame for types of shelter: Response-core, transitional or permanent, engaging academic institutes. Structural engineers should explore the improvement of sustainable building materials and understand non-engineered or owner-built housing construction processes. Structural calculations of various core houses should be done to measure cyclone and tidal surge resilient capacity before they termed as core house (page 52).

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NameShaminaParulGita ranProvasSubnodiTotamiaDipali RRabiaDoli BegTaslimaDulisaJosimonBagumRadhakanNasimaNurtajJulakhaMijanurAminurRowshonaShahadatAtiyarRabiulMaksu SaburKhadizaTahaminaAtiyarSirajul Islam Nazma AleyaGaziNasimaShafaliSannaseeSeemaSarolaShibunadAnill LakhkhanSapnaKabitaBijonGitaSharina

Village Chakba NouabeArepanBurigoArpandBaroykArpakhPakhimaraBarykhBorykh West ZPakhimPakhimArepangasPakhimChakbaChakbaChakbaChakbaChakbaChakbaChakbaChakbaChakbaChakbaChakbaChakbaChakbaChakbaNayabaNayabaNayabaBarokuNayabaArepanArepanArepanArepanArepanArepanArepanArepanArepanArepanArepanPakhim

UnionGaburaNouabekiBurigoalinBurigoalinBurigoalinPourosovaBurigoalinPodmopukurBarykhaBorykhaZeodharaPodmopukurPodmopukurBurigoalinPodmopukurGaburaGaburaGaburaGaburaGaburaGaburaGaburaGaburaGaburaGaburaGaburaGaburaGaburaGaburaAtuliaAtuliaAtuliaAtuliaAtuliaBurigoalinBurigoalinBurigoalinBurigoalinBurigoalinBurigoalinBurigoalinBurigoalinBurigoalinBurigoalinBurigoalinPadmapukur

UpazillaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaMorolgonjShyamnagaShyamnagaMorolgonjMorolgonjMorolgonjShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShamnagarShyamnagaShamnagarShamnagarShamnagarShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnaga

DistrictSathkhirSathkhirSathkhirShathkhiShathkhiBakerhatShathkhiShathkhiBakherhaBakherhaBakherhaShathkhiShathkhiShathkhiShathkhiShatkhirSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhira

Appendix 2 - List of Respondents

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NameLiyakatSathi Manjila RupiyaParul Shiuli Mokbula AjijulJahar Sufiya Bala Das Kohinur Ruhul AmLatifa ShahidulNazmaBeuty Chobi RajiaAbul KhaShahidaJorinaRanjina DalimBakul Hawya

VillagePakhimPakhim PakhimPakhimPakhimPakhimPakhim PakhimPakhimPakhimArepanSoaliaSoaliaSoalia SoaliaBaroykBaroykBaroykBaroykBaroyk JeudhaJeudhaJeudhaJeudhaJeudhaJeudha

UnionPadmapukurPadmapukurPadmapukurPadmapukurPadmapukurPadmapukurPadmapukurPadmapukurPadmapukurPadmapukurBurigoalinAtuliaAtulia Atulia Atulia Baroykhali BaroykhaliBaroykhaliBaroykhaliBaroykhaliNishanbariNishanbariNishanbariNishanbariNishanbariNishanbari

UpazillaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShyamnagaShamnagarMoralgong MoralgongMoralgongMoralgongMoralgongMoralgongMoralgongMoralgongMoralgongMoralgongMoralgong

DistrictSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhiraSatkhira Satkhira Bagarhat BagarhatBagarhatBagarhatBagarhatBagarhatBagarhatBagarhatBagarhatBagarhatBagarhat

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Appendix 3 - Study survey questionnaire

Project: Cyclone resistant & flood adapted affordable building design projectPractical action Bangladesh

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42

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Appendix 4

The topographic survey refers to the measurement of earth surface in a particular study area with standard known coordinates (0-0 origin for x and y coordinates) for Northing and Easting, and vertical z coordinate, where the mean sea level in m PWD is considered as 0 m PWD. In order to perform efficiently the survey, the area was divided into specified grids and grid intersection points were established for x, y and z coordinates. A topographic survey covers land and spot levels for contours at 0.3 m intervals with denser intervals for undulations.

In the physical feature survey, all the structures and psysical elements in the area are observed and located on map; land use, buildings, industries, lakes, rivers, canals, roads. Their location is established in the predefined co-ordinate system and parameters. The findings of physical feature surveys are described as follows. Physical Features such as roads, rivers, canals, marshlands, house areas, large water bodies, were surveyed using Total Station (TS) techniques.

The location and dimension of the physical features has been surveyed and recorded using Electronic Total Station (TS) and Handle GPS. Data was recorded in the TS memory with separate ID or code number for each feature (as Line and Point). Later on, the TS and GPS data was transferred directly to the AutoCAD database where the feature was kept in a separate layer. All the names of settlements, villages, rivers, khals, lakes, roads, markets, were recorded during the survey. For supporting the TS Survey, sufficient numbers of Temporary Control Points (TCP) have been established. These TCPs were used by the TS groups as reference points (Station and Back Points) for physical feature, topographic and landuse survey.

The TS survey/team was responsible for measurement of spot levels (Northing, Easting, Elevation or RL) for contour generation. In general, the spot levels on the land have taken at an interval that represents the topography of the land surface. The utility poles and alignment of utility lines have been surveyed by using TS.

Electronic TS is a combination of electronic Theodolite, distance meter and Leveling Machine with on-board computer having graphic icon menu with LCD display and built-in MS-Dos or MS-Windows operating system. It can measure and store the positioning data of a target point in a digital form. It consists of a microprocessor with special software for operation, data capture, storage and processing, transmission and receiving to/from a computer. The data can be stored in an internal or external memory card. It transmits ledger beam towards the target where a reflector is placed and receives the reflected beam by which the distance is calculated, bearing and 3-D coordinate of that target point with respect to the reference points whose coordinates are known. Measurements to be done by a TS survey technique are as below:

Distance measurement

3D co-ordinate measurement (x, y, z)

Traverse-style co-ordinate measurement

Re-section

Offset measurement

Missing line measurement

Remote elevation measurement

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