Engineering, Design and Construction of Lunar Bases

by Haym Benaroya,
Leonhard Bernold, (M.ASCE),
Koon Meng Chua, (F.ASCE),



Part of: Perspectives in Civil Engineering: Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the American Society of Civil Engineers

Abstract:

How do we begin to expand our civilization to the Moon? What are the technical issues that infrastructural engineers, in particular, must address? This paper has the goal of introducing this fascinating area of structural mechanics, design, and construction. Published work of the past several decades about lunar bases is summarized. Additional emphasis is placed on issues related to regolith mechanics and robotic construction. Although many hundreds of papers have been written on these subjects, and only a few tens of these have been referred to here, it is believed that a representative view has been created. This summary includes environmental issues, a classification of structural types being considered for the Moon, and some possible usage of in situ resources for lunar construction. An appendix provides, in tabular form, an overview of structural types and their lunar applications and technology drivers.

Subject Headings: Space construction | Space colonies | Moon | Infrastructure construction | Construction engineering | Structural mechanics | Structural design

 

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