208 DOI: 10.30448/ts2019.3245.42 208 Proceedings of the TensiNet Symposium 2019 Softening the habitats | 3-5 June 2019, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy Alessandra Zanelli, Carol Monticelli, Marijke Mollaert, Bernd Stimpfle (Eds.) Finite-element analysis and design optioneering of an emergency tent structure Salvatore VISCUSO*, Milan DRAGOLJEVIC a , Carol MONTICELLI b , Alessandra ZANELLI c * ,a,b,c Politecnico di Milano, Dept. of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering Via Ponzio 31, 20133 Milan, Italy * salvatore.viscuso@polimi.it, a milan.dragoljevic@polimi.it, b carol.monticelli@polimi.it, c alessandra.zanelli@polimi.it Abstract The paper focuses on the structural analysis of the “Multipurpose Shelter - Type 2” (T2 MP), designed and prototyped by the authors during the research activities of the European collaborative project S(P)EEDKITS. Research institutes, universities, non-profit organizations and manufacturers designed novel shelters concepts, medical care resources and other facilities provided in case of emergency. Specifically, this contribution proposes an optimized solution of the tent structure, in order to meet the UNICEF criteria for collective tents. Keywords: lightweight structure, temporary structure, emergency sheltering, finite element analysis, structural optimization, snow load, wind load 1. Introduction Since 2014 UNICEF has been publishing diverse Target Product Profiles (TPPs) to communicate requirements for products - shelters and others NFIs (Non-food items) included in procurement specifications of NGOs, which are currently not available on the market but which fulfil a priority need to be used in the unique context in which UNICEF and its partners operate. TPPs include information on how the new product will be used, by or for whom, and the minimum and ideal performance criteria. The purpose of TPPs is to guide industry to develop products that meet UNICEF’s needs, however they do not act as the final procurement DOI: 10.30448/ts2019.3245.42 Copyright © 2019 by Salvatore Viscuso, Milan Dragoljevic, Carol Monticelli, Alessandra Zanelli. Published by Maggioli SpA with License Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 with permission. Peer-review under responsibility of the TensiNet Association