CURRENT PHASE: PRELIMINARY DESIGN & STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

MODULAR PRECAST SEGMENT SYSTEM (MPSS)

The MPSS (Modular Precast Segment System) is Tharsis Works' flagship construction solution for subterranean habitation. Unlike proposed 'in-situ' 3D printing methods which suffer from dust contamination and thermal cracking, our system utilizes factory-produced sintered basalt segments.

These segments are manufactured in controlled surface environments and transported underground for rapid assembly. The system creates a hermetically sealed, pressurized cylinder inside the irregular geometry of Martian lava tubes, effectively decoupling the habitat's structural integrity from the geological uncertainties of the cave roof.

KEY TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS

1. INTERLOCKING JOINTS (Double-Gasket Seal)

"Each segment features a precision-milled 'Tongue and Groove' connection profile. The joint houses a dual-layer silicone-aerogel gasket.

Outer Gasket: Blocks dust and prevents friction.
Inner Gasket: Maintains the 101.3 kPa internal atmosphere against the vacuum. This mechanical lock allows for thermal expansion/contraction without breaking the air seal."

2. MATERIAL COMPOSITION (BFR-Basalt)

"Segments are cast from 100% ISRU Basalt, reinforced with 1.2% chopped basalt fibers (see Material Data Sheet). This composite offers:

Compressive Strength: >130 MPa (exceeding standard concrete by 300%).
Radiation Shielding: High-density weave blocks secondary neutron radiation."

3. AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY (Zero-Grip)

"The segments are designed with integrated vacuum-anchor points. This allows the 'Arachnid' Construction Rovers to lift, place, and lock the segments without needing complex scaffolding, assembling a complete 5-meter ring every 4 hours."

DEPLOYMENT PROTOCOL

LASER SCANNING: Autonomous drones map the lava tube interior (LiDAR).
FLOOR LEVELING: Regolith is compacted and sintered to create a flat rail-bed.
SEGMENT PLACEMENT: The 'Keystone' floor segment is laid first, followed by wall segments.
CROWN LOCK: The final top segment (Crown) is inserted, locking the ring in compression.
EPOXY INJECTION: A final layer of bio-epoxy is injected into the joints for 100% redundancy.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse