Field testing of a lightweight relocatable structure in a desert environment

This report describes the field tests of a commercially available, off-the-shelf lightweight relocatable structure (LRS) systems selected for possible military application in a theater or operations. The structural system selected for the field tests was a panelized system manufactured by Kelly Klosure, Inc. The purpose of the tests was to determine the constructibility and habitability of the building system. The tests are being conducted in two stages: Stage 1 tests were conducted in a desert environment, and Stage 2 tests are being conducted in a temperate environment. This report documents the results of the Stage 1 tests. The test results showed that the 20-ft-wide and 8-ft-high building can be erected manually by unskilled troop labor using only hand tools. However, for a 12-ft-high building assembled using 4- x 8-ft panels, a crane is needed to help lift assembled components for the erection. Based on overall constructibility and environmental performance, the fiberboard panel system is the better choice. Several modifications were made to the system during the field tests. It is recommended that these modifications be incorporated into system design and further field tests conducted before making a final evaluation.