Lunar, Martian, and planetary Architecture
Click here for Lunar Structures Generated and Shielded with On-Site Materials
MAGMA, CERAMIC, AND FUSED ADOBE STRUCTURES GENERATED IN SITU
E. Nader Khalili
The accumulated human knowledge of "universal elements" can be integrated with space-age technology to serve human needs on Earth; its timeless materials and timeless principles can also help achieve humanity’s quest beyond this planet. Two such areas of knowledge are in earth architecture and in ceramics, which could be the basis for a breakthrough – in scales, forms, and functions – in low gravity fields and anhydrous-vacuum conditions. With the added missing link of the element of fire (heat), traditional earthen forms can be generated on other celestial bodies, such as the Moon and Mars, in the form of magma structure, ceramic structure, and fused adobe structure. Ceramic modules can also be generated in situ in space by utilizing lunar or meteoritic resources.
TIMELESS MATERIALS – TIMELESS
PRINCIPLES
The traditional techniques of building without centering, i.e.,
leaning-arches, corbelling, and dry-packing can have greater
applications in lower gravity fields, as well as higher material
strength, than in the restricted conditions of these
techniques’ terrestrial origins. At the same time, the
"high-tech" heat-obtaining skills of solar heat,
plasma, microwave, and melting penetrators can provide
ceramic-earth shelters and appropriate technology for both
developed and underdeveloped nations. Through understanding and
utilizing the principles of "Yekta-i-Arkan" –
unity of elements – integration of tradition and technology
in harmony with the laws of nature is possible at many levels of
microcosm and macrocosm.
MAGMA STRUCTURE
Lunar base structures can be generated and cast, based on the
natural space formations created by magma-lava flow such as tubes
and voids. By utilizing existing lunar contours or by forming
mounds of lunar soil to desired interior spaces, structures can
be cast in situ with the generated magma. Either way, the
upper layers of the mounds and the apex, consisting of
unprocessed lunar resources, can generate magma flow with focused
sunlight (Criswell, 1976). Ceramic-glass (Grodzka, 1976) and/or
other lunar fluxes may be added to the main composite for
lowering the melting temperature. Basalt melting point, 900’
to 1200’C, can be lowered to glass composites’ melting
point with added lunar flux. As the molten composite flows with
the low gravity crawl, the lava crust can be formed in spiral,
circular, or multi-patterned rib troughs on the mound. A
controlled flowing magma can cast single- or double-curvature
monolithic shell structures. The underlying loose soil mound can
then be excavated and packed over the monolithic shell for
radiation/thermal/impact shielding (Carrier, 1976). Since high
depth of necessary soil coverage over the structure is
detrimental to both architectural flexibility and harmonious
interaction of inner and outer space environments, the variable
magma viscosity can be utilized to reduce the estimated 2-m
thickness (Land, 1984) of the packed soil protections depending
on material composites and attained temperature degree/time
parameters. The viscosity of the generated magma and the packed
regolith can counterbalance internal atmospheric pressure, and
the semi-glazed interior can provide an airtight membrane. The
pliability of the magma medium can present new dimensions in the
creation of sculptured interiors for the ultimate functional
utilization of the generated spaces. It also offers an aesthetic
dimension, since the molded forms conform to human generic
non-angular tendencies. The organic material of magma and the
possibilities for ceramic glazing of the interior will open a new
era in integration of the arts to scales unattainable for humans
under the limits of terrestrial conditions. Magma materials,
basaltic in particular, have produced agricultural soils and with
suitable atmospheric conditions have proved to produce
vegetation. Plant successions have taken place in magma-lava
metamorphosis in terrestrial lava tubes and voids. Many examples
of flora can be seen in old lava beds of the volcanic regions of
the world. Similar conditions will be present in lunar magma
structures when the temperature- moisture ambient exists for a
life-supporting environment. Thus, common spaces of lunar bases
could be designated as mini-agricultural zones that could both
generate suitable atmosphere to sustain human life and provide
supplemental nutrition resources. Natural lava structures, such
as Craters of the Moon National Monument, can provide case
studies in the design development stages. Research is needed to
determine material composites, magma crust formation patterns,
and span limitations.
PREFABRICATED MAGMA MEMBERS
Conventional structures can be built with magma in lunar base
complexes by prefabricating structural members. Beams, columns,
panels, and connections can be prefabricated with generated magma
composed of unprocessed lunar resources fused with solar heat.
Magma-lava solidified structural members can be reinforced with
fibers or reinforcing mesh produced from lunar resources. The
precast panels and members can be post-tensioned by tendons or
fused with spot mortar composed of similar magma materials.
Precast magma and ceramic members can be shaped to fit desired
forms and functions. Lunar soil troughs and fused regolith layer
form work can be utilized for casting systems.
CERAMIC STRUCTURE
The use of shielding ceramic tiles on the space shuttle points to
the potential of ceramic materials for lunar and space
applications. Ceramic structures of limited spans can be cast
in situ on lunar sites; they can also be generated in space.
On lunar sites, a centrifugally gyrating platform – a giant
potter’s wheel – featuring adjustable rims with high
flanges can be utilized for the dynamic casting of ceramic and
stoneware structures. A mass of lunar resources can be
"thrown" in the stationary center zone of the platform
and melted by focused sunlight to flow to the periphery rotating
zone and cast desired shapes. Known lunar resources can also be
spun on the same platform to create tensile fiber; by integrating
the two operations, monolithic ceramic structures with tensile
fiber reinforcing layers can be generated. Double-shell ceramic
structures sandwiched with space and/or packed with insulating
materials can provide radiation, thermal, and impact shielding.
Such units can be used singularly for lunar camps or combined
around a common hub and/or spine to form a lunar base complex.
The centrifugal platform system with its adjustable rim flanges
can be utilized for lunar base infrastructure parts: pipes,
ducts, and tunnel rings. Prefabricated sections for utility sheds
can also be formed in single- or double-shell modules. In space,
a centrifugally gyrating platform moving in three dimensions can
create more variations of ceramic structured modules than is
possible in terrestrial or gravity fields. Attached to a space
station, the gyrating platform can generate ceramic modules in
situ. The resources for ceramic structures can either be of
lunar or martian origin or, in space, from captured meteoroids.
FUSED ADOBE STRUCTURE
Lunar base structures can be constructed in situ utilizing
lunar adobe blocks produced from unprocessed lunar soil or the
by-products of industrial mining operations. Lunar adobe blocks
can be formed by the fusion of lunar resources with solar heat.
It is anticipated that vacuum conditions and the essentially
zero-moisture content of lunar soils should significantly reduce
thermal diffusity (Rowley, 1984). Lunar adobe blocks can be used
to build structures without form work, employing the
earth-architecture techniques of dry-packing, corbelling, and
leaning-arches (Khalili, 1986). The low gravity field and vacuum
conditions, which allow for a smaller angle of repose and enhance
lunar soil cohesion (Blacic, 1984), will give greater
opportunity, in the case of the leaning-arch technique, for
larger spans and shallower vaults and domes. The same advantages
will cause the soil-packed covering to follow desirable contours
for more flexible interaction of interior and exterior space and
solar orientation. Fused spot-mortar or lunar dust sprayed at
fusion point temperature can be used to bond the blocks in medium
and large span structures. Arches, domes, vaults, and apses can
be constructed to fit the contours of the moonscape; these curved
surfaces can create sun and shade zones that are functionally
desirable. For functional or aesthetic reasons, total or partial
interior ceramic glazing of lunar adobe structures can be done
with lunar resources containing glass (Heiken, 1976) and other
fluxes by solar heat fusion or plasma technology. The difficulty
of mechanical separation of lunar dust can be solved by the bulk
use of the soil at its powder stage, involving pre-heating the
dust and guniting it on the structure at the point of fusion, The
techniques of earth-architecture and the human skills that have
evolved to deal with natural materials and to meet the historic
challenges of harsh environments and terrestrial gravity can put
future men and women in direct touch with the lunar world.
Discovering suitable dimensions of blocks, techniques of
construction, and appropriate material composites while
developing their own sense of unity with the lunar entity can be
the start of human independence from Mother Earth, creating
shelters in the heavens. The organic growth of lunar
architecture, with its own materials and equilibrium of elements
can be used to initiate an indigenous and ecologically balanced
human environment without damaging the heavenly body. On Earth,
one of the main tasks of architects, engineers, and builders has
historically been nothing but winning the fight against gravity;
now and in the future, the chance for victory on the Moon will be
six times as great as it has been here on Earth.
INITIAL IN SITU
CONSTRUCTION
Locating a lunar lava tube may well be one of the first stages of
setting up a lunar base site. Lava tubes can provide the most
expedient and economical way of starting an indigenous lunar
architecture. Terrestrial lava tubes are the best design model
for exploring the development of appropriate life-supporting
environments in lunar lava tubes. Either at the initial stage or
in the following phases of lunar base construction, locating and
utilizing lava tubes can be of great value. An immediate
construction system for the lunar base, after the initial camp
setup, can utilize unprocessed lunar resources in a
non-mechanized construction system. This system uses existing
rocks of different sizes and dry-pack techniques. The low gravity
field and higher rock fracture strength give added advantages for
larger spans of corbelling and leaning-arch earth-structure
systems. Meteoroid and/or indigenous rock structures covered with
lunar soil for radiation and thermal shielding can provide
immediate, non- life-supporting shelters. Structures built with
the same techniques can be fitted with an airtight fabric mesh
for human habitation (Blacic, 1984).
PAVING AND LUNAR DUST STABILIZATION
The lunar soil, with a particle size of about 70 microns, which
adheres to everything and chums up with vehicular traffic, needs
to be stabilized (Carrier and Mitchell, 1976). Fusion of the top
layers of lunar soil with focused sunlight can form a magma-lava
crust to arrest unstable lunar dust. Spacecraft landing pads,
vehicular traffic roads, and pedestrian walkways can be paved
with solar heat by on-spot fusion of the top layers, penetrating
to desirable depth. Unprocessed lunar soil can be fused by solar
energy via a manual or automatic and remote control
"paving" vehicle. Inappropriate regolith areas can be
topped with a layer of appropriate lunar soil before its fusion.
For low temperature fusion, lunar fluxes can be sprayed on top of
the soil prior to introducing solar heat. Paving surfaces of
heavier traffic areas can be constructed from composites fused to
ceramic and stoneware consistency with desired colors and
textures. As a general rule, it is the use of the universal
principles of the terrestrial element of fire (heat) – the
solar rays – that must be thought of at the forefront of
mediums and materials for planetary base design and construction.
Adhering to the philosophy of the use of local resources, human
skills, and solar energy, we can achieve our quests on the Moon,
Mars, and beyond. We must learn from the accumulated human
knowledge of earth-architecture, which has sheltered humans in
the harshest conditions. Each person going to the Moon,
regardless of his or her work, must be aware of these fundamental
principles and techniques to participate in creating an
indigenous architecture to form their communities, not only
because of economic benefit but also because of spiritual reward.
As an old Persian saying goes, "Every man and woman is born
a doctor and a builder – to heal and shelter himself."
Acknowledgments. The Geltaftan Group, consisting of Manouchehr Sedehi, Mahmoud Hejazi, Ezzatollah Salmanzadeh, Ali Gourang, Ostad Asghar, and A. A. Khorramshahi, supported my work in earth-and-fire developments. Eyal Perchik, Alessandra Runyon, Tsosie Tsinhnahjinnie, Steven Haines, Ellwood Pickering II, Barclay Totten, students at the Southern California Institute of Architecture, have helped advance my research work.
REFERENCES
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(1984) Structural properties of lunar rock materials under
anhydrous, hard vacuum conditions (abstract). In Papers
Presented to the Symposium on Lunar Bases and Space Activities of
the 21st Century, p. 76. NASA/ Johnson Space Center, Houston.
Carrier W. D. III and Mitchell J. K. (1976) Geotechnical
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Abstracts, pp. 92-95. Lunar Science Institute, Houston.
Criswell D. R. (editor) (1976) Lunar Science VII, Special
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Science Institute, Houston.
Grodzka P. (1976) Processing lunar soil for structural
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Heiken G. (1976) The regolith as a source of materials
(abstract). In Lunar Science VII, Special Session Abstracts,
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Khalili E. N. (1986) Ceramic Houses. Harper and Row,
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Land P. (1984) Lunar base design (abstract). In Papers
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the 21st Century, p. 102. NASA/Johnson Space Center, Houston.
Rowley J. C. (1984) In-situ rock melting applied to lunar
base construction and for exploration drilling and coring on the
moon (abstract). In Papers Presented to the Symposium on Lunar
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NASA/Johnson Space Center, Houston.
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