Structures that move in the course of normal use, or which have to be assembled or erected rapidly on a relatively unprepared site, offer a particular challenge to the designer. The interaction between the structure and the mechanism by which it moves is essential in these cases. The speed of assembly, and what this means in terms of logistics, materials and cost, is a major factor in many such structures.

Mobile and rapidly assembled structures play a major role in disaster mitigation and temporary accommodation. They are of primary importance in many military as well as civilian applications and are widely used for rescue and maintenance services. Their importance continues to grow in contemporary society where speed of response is of primary importance. Also, in many cases, their reversible deployment and potential reuse can lead to a lower economical and ecological impact, providing a more sustainable solution. There are common problems such as the efficient design of assembly joints, the resistance to damage of the membrane and metal cladding, crashworthiness and the limits of serviceability. Some areas of the subject are already well documented, but knowledge is fragmented and there is little design guidance available in the form of textbooks, data sheets or codes of practice.

The interaction between morphology, kinematic behaviour and structural performance – typical of these structures – poses real challenges in terms of design and successful realisation. The interaction of ideas and experience during the conference may lead to new mobile structural forms and an increased awareness of the problems of rapid assembly and mobility of structures. This multi-disciplinary meeting will bring together engineers, architects and researchers concerned with the design, analysis, manufacturing  and erection of rapidly assembled structures. This fifth edition follows the success of the previous conferences in this series, first organised in Southampton, followed by Seville, Madrid and Ostend.

Journal Submission

Presenters at MARAS 2016 will be invited to submit an extended version of their paper for possible publication in the one of the International Scientific Journals published by the Wessex Institute.

Conference Topics

The following list covers some of the topics to be presented at MARAS 2016. Papers on other subjects related to the objectives of the conference are also welcome.

  • Rapidly assembled and mobile bridges
  • Disaster mitigation structures
  • Temporary structures and dwellings
  • Deployable systems and structural mechanisms
  • Tensegrity and reciprocal frames
  • Origami-based folding structures
  • Inflated and air-supported structures and membrane shelters
  • Rapidly assembled kit-of-parts systems
  • Leisure structures, demountable grandstands and scaffolding systems
  • Mobile inspection platforms
  • Folding and telescopic masts and gangways
  • Rapid repairs of structures
  • Tower cranes and mobile lifting apparatus
  • Trackways and prefabricated paving for roads and airfields
  • Protective structures
  • Zero gravity structures
  • Construction and repair
  • Optimisation of transformable structures
  • Kinetic structures
  • Design for re-use
  • Adaptive building envelopes
  • Parametric analysis and design
  • Innovative approaches
  • Engineering transformation

Abstract Submission

Abstracts of no more than 300 words should be submitted as soon as possible by completing the form1. Abstracts should clearly state the purpose, results and conclusions of the work to be described in the final paper. Please submit only one abstract per person.

Once your abstract has been reviewed, you will be notified of the acceptance of your abstract and be given a submission date as well as instructions on how to prepare your paper.

Final acceptance will be based on the full-length paper, which if accepted for publication, must be presented at the conference.

We encourage early submission of abstracts and papers to facilitate registration and travel arrangements.

The language of the conference will be English.

  • 1. https://www.wessex.ac.uk/index.php?option=com_chronoforms5&view=form&Itemid=4878&chronoform=Abstract&conf=maras-2016