Geotechnical Investigation Strategies for Lunar Base

Abstract

Geotechnical characterization of potential lunar sites will be a critical part of the planning and design process. The strategies used to conduct a geotechnical investigation will be dictated by the specific needs of the lunar base, the unique environment of the lunar surface, and general character of the lunar soils and rocks. This paper outlines some of the types of geotechnical information that will be important and identifies some of the more promising strategies which might be used to obtain such information in the lunar environment. Some of the most important geotechnical information for planning and site development will be related to construction in the lunar soil. In addition to construction concerns, geotechnical data for foundation design (or verification of predesigned foundations) will be needed. The geotechnical site‐characterization work should include geophysical techniques, supplemented by conventional mechanical boring and testing only to the degree necessary to correlate geophysical measurements with conventional soil properties and to investigate anomalies. Equipment used for geotechnical site characterization will also serve for mineralogical exploration. Several techniques for geotechnical investigation that may provide very useful information in an expedient manner are described. Geophysical methods include seismic and electromagnetic methods, including seismic surveys that utilize surface waves. Electromagnetic methods such as ground‐penetrating radar are fast, efficient methods for mapping the subsurface, although these techniques do not measure soil characteristics that can readily be correlated with engineering properties. Seismic methods provide information that may correlate with soil strength, compressibility, and excavatability. In‐situ physical testing will likely include penetration testing for direct physical measurement of lunar soil behavior.