Building a strong foundation

The 19th ASCE ASD Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction and Operations in Challenging Environment (Earth & Space 2024) started with the Pre-Conference Short Course

"Lunar geotechnics and foundation design"

It was essential for all aspiring lunar engineers who want to focus on various aspects of construction and structural and geotechnical design of infrastructure on the Moon.

The program focuses on soil mechanics and foundation design fundamentals in low-gravity conditions. It provides an overview of relevant theories and critical considerations for the foundation design of lunar infrastructure, such as launching and landing pads, roads, lunar habitats, and lunar solar power towers. This program equips all participants with a solid understanding of the principles and practices that underpin the successful creation of infrastructure on the Moon.

The program covered key topics and all subject matter experts were on top!

from national agencies:

• NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Nathan Gelino Rob Mueller, Robert C. Anderson,
• Canadian Space Agency : Alexander M. Jablonski, P.Eng.

from academias:

• Colorado School of Mines: Christopher Dreyer
• Polytechnique Montréal: Pooneh Maghoul (organization team)
• University of Connecticut: Ramesh B. Malla, Ph.D., F.ASCE, F.EMI, A.F.AIAA, F.ASNEngr

from the industry:

• AECOM: Roberto MMoraes (organization team)
• Bechtel Corporation: Matthew Waterman
• ConeTec: David Slack
• Randy States (ex GeoDesign / Terracon / Nobis Engineering /...)

Next step of the community? Continue a deep dive into R&D, brainstorming about concurrent design sessions, delivering the Guidelines on Lunar Infrastructure Engineering Design, Analysis, and Construction.

#ASCE #CivilSpaceEngineering