CONFERENCES
ASCE International Conference - Miami 2024
Presenting at the ASCE International Conference on Space and Civil Engineering, Miami.
In this session, Roberto Moraes discussed the early-stage risks associated with lunar construction and excavation, focusing on key geotechnical uncertainties such as regolith variability, excavation failure modes, seismic activity, and the nonlinear behavior of lunar materials. Drawing from decades of terrestrial engineering experience, the presentation emphasized the need for pragmatic mitigation strategies and ground-truth-based design to support safe and feasible lunar infrastructure deployment.
Topics in Geotechnical Engineering
Interests in exploring critical topics at the intersection of geotechnical engineering and space exploration, with a focus on practical applications for lunar and planetary infrastructure. Key areas of interest include excavation methods in low-gravity environments, regolith characterization and its mechanical behavior under vacuum conditions, and the feasibility of in-situ compaction and stabilization techniques. We investigate how classic principles of slope stability, ground investigation, and foundation design are applied, or fail to be applied, beyond Earth. Additional focus is given to excavation-induced risks, tunneling strategies for radiation-shielded structures, and the adaptation of Earth-based design standards to environments with no atmosphere, reduced gravity, and high uncertainty. These topics form the backbone of a growing dialogue on what it takes to safely and realistically build on the Moon.