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Topological Interlocking in Construction
of Martian Settlements Dyskin, A.V. (1), Estrin, Y. (2),
Pasternak, E. (1), Khor, H.C. (1), Kanel-Belov, A.J. (3) (1) School
of Civil and Resource Engineering, University of Western Australia, (2) Institut für Werkstoffkunde und Werkstofftechnik,
Technische Universität Clausthal, Germany (3) School of Engineering and Science,
International University of Bremen, Germany |
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Abstract:
We consider the use of a newly found principle of Topological Interlocking in construction of
extraterrestrial settlements. This type of interlocking neither requires keys
and connectors nor imposes high demands on the manufacturing precision. Using
this principle, basic plate-like assemblies can be produced from blocks
manufactured in-situ. Thus it becomes possible to form flexible mortarless
structures with high resistance to fracture propagation and tolerance to
missing or failed blocks. Interlocking of this type is achieved either by
special arrangements of blocks of simple shapes (eg,
platonic bodies) or by specially designed curved surfaces. An example of the
first type of interlocking is given by plate-like assemblies of tetrahedra. The second type of interlocking is
exemplified by a set of so-called osteomorphic
bricks, permitting both plate-like and corner-like masonry structures, as
well as columns. An attractive property of these building blocks is that they
are self adjusting, such that the construction process does not require high
precision positioning of the blocks and robotisation
of the process is easily achieved. Neither is high manufacturing precision
required, so that the construction can be based on in-situ mass production of
cheap building blocks. Possible applications of topologically interlocking blocks go beyond construction elements of the settlement structures. In extraterrestrial structures the functional modules themselves can be shaped to ensure their interlocking, which opens up interesting design perspectives. In particular, the advantage of using interlocking organisation of modules is the inherent self-adjusting property of topologically interlocking elements. The same geometry that locks the elements within the structure ensures that if in a loose structure the elements are not properly aligned, application of lateral load will force them into a regular planar arrangement. Thus, one can envisage an express method of the station assembly on planets with low gravity, which does not require special ground preparation. PROFILE: Dr Arkady
Dyskin
is a professor at the School of Civil and Resource Engineering at the
University of Western Australia. He holds
a B.S. and M.Sc. in Computer Science, ( |
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