Novel Construction Concepts: Opportunities For Cross-Sectoral Fertilisation
- Paper number
IAC-07-E5.I.08
- Author
Dr. Fabio Piccolo, D'Appolonia S.p.A., Italy
- Coauthor
Dr. Guido Chiappa, D'Appolonia S.p.A., Italy
- Coauthor
Dr. Federico Stampacchia, D'Appolonia S.p.A., Italy
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Tensile structures and membranes applied in construction represent a promising market for this industry. They are a clear example of cross-sectoral cooperation between two highly traditional industries, with possibility to incorporate flexible solar cells, self-healing or sensing materials for novel energy efficient and smart building concepts. This paper will provide an overview of innovative technologies including the potential application of its findings to space exploration, thus further boosting cross-sectoral fertilization. Concepts for lunar base structures have been proposed since long before the dawn of the space age and potential concepts have to take into consideration challenges as:
- Severe temperature cycles;
- Reduced gravity;
- Vacuum / Dust;
- Ease of construction;
- Air pressurization;
- Shielding.
Potential concepts can benefit from technologies capable to:
- Reduce the number of components (and overall weight), by means of multi-functional elements;
- Increase control and monitoring to increase safety.
A number of enabling technologies are required in order to provide all useful functions needed with the lowest number of components and drawbacks:
- Self Actuation;
- Power-harvesting and protective upper layer;
- Healthcare (Anti bacterial agents release and odour control);
- Monitoring and sensing functions;
- Radiation protection;
- New digging concepts for hard and loose soil;
- Reinforcement and puncture-protection layer;
- Flexible power storage;
- Temperature management.
Tensile structures and membranes applied in construction represent a promising market for this industry and they are a clear example of cross-sectoral cooperation between two highly traditional industries, with a large potential for the implementation of solutions in other high tech sectors. A new generation of multifunctional textiles can be engineered specifically for high challenging applications, providing a number of combined useful functions.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E5.I.08.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.