This section addresses the critical challenge of maintaining stable slopes and containment structures under lunar conditions. Conventional slope design relies on gravity-driven equilibrium, drainage, and soil reinforcement, all of which require adaptation in the Moon’s low-gravity, vacuum environment, and thermally stressed regolith.
The framework introduces stability criteria tailored to L1–L5 regolith zoning, with adaptations of limit equilibrium methods, factor of safety approaches, and berm geometries suitable for excavation support, landing pad protection, and dust control. Emphasis is placed on how slope performance is influenced by particle size, cohesion variability, seismic loading from landings, and the absence of moisture as a stabilizing factor.
Slope Stability & Berm Design establishes provisional guidelines for designing, monitoring, and reinforcing lunar earthworks, supporting excavation, trafficability, and site safety in mission-critical construction zones.