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An introduction to Quonset huts

Posted by admin on Feb 20, 2009

Quonset huts were first built during the World War II when the constructors began to realize that steel buildings were not only cheap to build but it also took less time than a brick and concrete building to build one. It started off from the idea of airplane hangars built by the Military and Air force. These could be easily assembled by hand just like a freighter and in case it had to be moved, it was as easy as taking the structure apart and rebuilding it on a different location just as it was in the previous one. Only a handful of soldiers were required to 6 meter wide and 15 meter long Quonset huts. Quonset huts were used by allies to protect their assets and soldiers from sunlight, rain and snow.

These initial Quonset huts were neither good to look at nor very strong, therefore construction companies in the early sixties decided to change that by making stronger and better looking Quonset huts. This became possible only three decades back when companies invented construction grade steel that was stronger. Today, the scene for Quonset huts has totally changed, they are more in demand than a traditional private/ commercial building made of wood or concrete and bricks.

Compared to a traditionally built building, Quonset huts have several advantages. They are stronger, safer and cheaper. They are built to easily see a natural disaster like earthquake and hurricane through. Quonset huts are also eco friendly as the material can be reused and recycled in other buildings.

Quonset huts are now another name given to steel buildings. A building that is not made in traditional style and use steel columns, blocks and sheets is a steel building. The primary construction materials used in a traditional building are bricks, concrete and wood. Compared to traditional buildings, Quonset huts are durable, safer, economic and have a higher aesthetic appeal. Perforated sheets are the most commonly used building material in Quonset huts Quonset huts. The cost and weight of building the structure goes down when perforated sheets are used.Perforated sheets help bring the cost and weight of Quonset huts. Compared to traditionally built sheets, these are easier to bend and to be blended into desired shapes. It is usual these days for ware houses, storage houses, work shops, garages and more recently offices, homes and modern buildings to be Quonset huts. They are every where now, mushroomed into artistic masterpieces and gigantic skyscrapers.

You can now buy Quonset huts as pre fabricated units in various shapes and sizes. Engineers can design Quonset huts on his computer and the design and pattern can be made in a factory by computer controlled machines. On a first look, they can not be distinguished from a house built of masonry or concrete as the finishing can be done over the steel structure. Quonset huts are now also available in many patterns, you can even order one with designer windows, plumbings, roof etc. Some developers have started selling Quonset huts on the internet. These developers also take orders to deliver and assemble a Quonset huts on site. If you plan on placing the order for a Quonset huts online make sure you read the terms of service and the contract very carefully. Check for materials used, time taken to build and labor costs to determine the actual cost of the deal.

5 Comments »

I read your blog every day.

March 9th, 2009 | 11:31 pm

Groovy blog. Thanks.

March 10th, 2009 | 11:31 pm

The very idea of this type of provisional housing facilities increased in use post 1941 when the US Navy needed reliable shelters for its military bases. The solution was simple, and the Navy used the lightweight structures which could not only be effortlessly transported but also needed no skilled labor to set up the Quonset huts. The structures needed no special flooring to assemble on and could be placed as easily on the ground as on steel pilings or hard concrete floors. The interiors could be used as needed and the open area could be concerted into residential units, military offices, storage structures or even be used as barracks. These buildings provided the US military with enhanced facilities and were a far cry from the inconvenient tenting on wooden bases that were usually used at that time.

April 25th, 2009 | 12:10 am

Awesome post.

June 17th, 2009 | 1:49 pm

This post was awesome. I liked reading this blog.

June 28th, 2009 | 1:55 pm
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