Published Online:January 2026
Product Name:The IUP Journal of Structural Engineering
Product Type:Article
Product Code:IJSE060126
DOI:10.71329/IUPJSE/2026.19.1.80-91
Author Name:Mihika Tiwari, Smiti Rathod, Shravani Kulkarni and Sujata Mehta
Availability:YES
Subject/Domain:Engineering
Download Format:PDF
Pages:80-91
The paper investigates ferrocement modular housing as a revolutionary method, combining engineering breakthroughs with humanitarian requirements. Ferrocement consists of cement-mortar combined with wire mesh, which provides multiple advantages, including strong tensile properties and lightweight thin walls along with reduced material needs. The method allows fast building operations with components that are essentially lightweight, reducing dead load on the foundation in disasteraffected zones having weak soil-bearing capacity, along with reduced loss of life in case of structure collapse, since ferrocement panels are considerably lightweight. The study examines worldwide case studies together with India’s Zatpat Houses to understand how ferrocement construction provides safe adaptable homes within a timeframe of weeks instead of months. The paper evaluates different modular systems that exist in warzones by measuring their housing dimensions alongside their costs, against ferrocement. The study points out that ferrocement has untapped potential and can be a viable alternative to traditional shelter solutions.
In the past ten years, the world has experienced an enormous magnitude of population displacement caused by war and violence, as seen in Ukraine, Syria, Gaza, and so many other affected regions in Africa and South Asia.