Bearing Capacity of Shallow Footings in Simulated Lunar Environments Using Centrifuge Tests

Abstract

Geotechnical engineering preparation is essential for successful lunar exploration due to the distinct differences in the environment between the Earth and the Moon. In particular, the bearing capacity of the lunar surface is an important index related to the landing of lunar probes. This study suggests two experimental methods using a centrifuge and lunar simulant for simulating the reduced-gravity environment of the Moon and investigates the influence of low gravity on the bearing capacity of shallow footings. First, the effects of footing size and gravity on the bearing capacity are investigated through a series of loading tests performed under various conditions of footing size and centrifugal acceleration. Then a predictive equation for the bearing capacity of shallow footings on the lunar surface is suggested. Finally, centrifuge model tests for directly simulating lunar prototype footings are performed for comparison with the suggested bearing capacity equations of shallow footings on the lunar surface, and the reliability of simulating the gravity of the Moon is verified.