Geodesic dome construction for lunar habitat

I believe that igloo-type geodesic dome construction , composed of lunar concrete bricks , to be built with 3D printing technologies (since every horizontal row may have a slightly different shape) to be covered finally by lunar regolith , is one of the most affordable alternatives for lunar construction. Something similar is currently being financed by ESA and was proposed in a recent RASC-AL student design competition .
Giorgio

Da: "Combs, Mike"
A: "spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com"
Inviato: Luned 29 Aprile 2013 15:55
Oggetto: RE: [spacesettlers] Geodesic dome construction for lunar habitat

You would probably be interested in the work of a British researcher who advocated concrete (or more like cast basalt) even for orbital habitats. I've gone blank on his name, and can't seem to find anything in a Google search. But I think his work is mentioned here:

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Space Technology, 2nd ed. by Kenneth Gatland, 1989, Orion Books, ISBN: 0-517-57427-8

Regards,
Mike Combs

From: spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Doc
Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 8:16 PM
To: spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [spacesettlers] Geodesic dome construction for lunar habitat

I believe concrete construction to probably be the most cost effective, long term building material. Monolithic structures that are poured in situ, are not practical in a vacuum. Panels could be cast in a construction shack, cured for a month, vacuumed for water recovery, cured again in the lunar daytime and then assembled. Research has already been done on concrete in a vacuum within the temperature ranges of space, and there is no compromise on strength after long term exposure. The small panel size compared to end result structure means that they could be built in starter size construction shacks such as intermodel containers assembled on a rail pallet, in any number required. Containers could be joined together horizontally and vertically then covered with regolith of a few meters to provide crew sheilding. aggregate would come from the moon with portland provided from earth until cheap and easy methods to produce locally become available. Any
thoughts? Don