Functional Assessment of Shelter Facilities in Terms of Material and Technical Changes to Basic Structural Elements

Abstract. The aim of this work is to present a comprehensive overview of shelter construction. Particular attention is paid to interesting material and technical solutions and the ecological aspects of the technologies used. The content is presented in terms of historical changes, with the materials used in shelter construction including stone, soil, wood, and steel, and currently, synthetic materials. The study focuses heavily on the so-called PwK technology, which is used in underground construction. It is pointed out that the most popular structural solutions for shelter construction currently utilize prefabricated reinforced concrete materials. Underground structures constructed using this technology provide effective protection for people and property. In addition to the traditional shelter construction methods mentioned, the study presents selected other material solutions for shelter components, such as laminate, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and composite structures. The study concludes by noting that development opportunities in various technologies should only contribute to ensuring safety in the civil protection and civil defense systems.