It seems like 3D printer technology, if developed enough, would mean using Mars dirt would not be needed for structural components... except maybe as raw materials to actually make stuff...
Would the basic concept of using regolith (sp?) on the Moon to make building/structural components be applicable in any way on Mars?
I was watching some videos on YouTube relating to assorted concepts, which might be handy for some inspiration for building module designs.
Such as the ATHLETE and RATS stuff NASA is working on and have concepts for Cylindrical modules with connection points on the ends and on either side, to be moved and put in place by freaking spider like vehicles with wheels for feet...
An awesome video showing how they do analog testing on Earth, it shows the basic concept I am talking about. They also discuss the option of inflatable shelters to a limited degree.
Analog Video 12 08 HD720p The ATHLETE concept video, moving and positioning the cylindrical modules on the Moon.
ATHLETE Trailer HD720pCanned Sardines in Space is one way of describing the living space of the module in the video.. which is basically the same as older style submarines.... except nicer looking...
Baring that stuff above, a huge mess of stuff I wrote down that I almost threw into the building grid idea post...
basically, base module ideas, which fall into 'shapes' they might have... sort of...
Base layout ideas.Base Module (variations).
(These will likely need better names than I can think of). I am assuming the 'basic' stuff would be '1x1' on a 'building grid'. (being 8x8m? Placed anywhere initially, otherwise 'centered' on a 'core module' of connected to an existed module or groups of modules?)
Hub Module (1x1): The default 'hub'.
Connector Module (1x1): The default module that goes between hubs. Some basic space for equipment on either side of the 'walkway'
Hub Corridor (1x1): A simple + shaped corridor intersection, cheap but no real space for equipment.
Strait Corridor (1x1): A simple strait corridor, cheap but no real space for equipment.
Bridge Corridor(1x3, 3x1): A 'corridor' that has a raised middle section that has enough ground clearance to allow rovers to pass underneath. Spacing between support posts on either end would be a little wider than is needed for two rovers to fit side by side.
6 Point Hub (1x2, 2x1): Effectively 2 hubs side by side. In essence, 2 connectors on the two longer sides, 1 connector on the two narrower sides.
8 Point Hub (2x2): Effectively a larger 'hub' with 2 connectors each side, but as one central structure. (heavy structure? capable of supporting additional levels?).
Large Hub (2x2): Also the same ground coverage as a 2x2 hub, but only a single connector point centered on each side. (heavy structure? capable of supporting levels?)
Core Base Hub (3x3, heavy structure): A 'large' hub that is (or could have a) roughly Octagonal layout, with a single connector each side. This is a 'big' structure, with the potential for supporting (or starting with) several levels. Not meant for initial construction without substantial logistics support being in place ahead of time. Air tight doors in several places lessen risk from decompression (accidental or otherwise). A central point (where stairs could exist for multiple levels) would double as an emergency airlock in case of a wall breach in one section. (even if the latter is not added as an actual in game mechanic).
Buried Modules: A module that has less insulation/radiation shielding, which is covered in Martial Soil after completion. Cheaper in term of resources needed, not in terms of time and manpower (and rover fuel?) needed. Could lead to their own challenges, like how to allow for 'windows'. Could require 'proper soil composition' to be near the construction site. (just as a requirement, without any sort of 'terrain deformation' being needed.)
Raised Corridor (1x1): A corridor to connect a pair of structures on the second level (if such structures will be possible/allowed). Has enough ground clearance for rovers to pass underneath.
Tower (1x1, or 0.5x0.5): A stand alone 'watch tower' like structure with ladder (or stairs around the sides) to a small platform on the top. An idea place for observation, and for installing weather monitoring equipment and basic communications relays. Could be 9m tall for the top 'platform', 12m tall including secondary antennae/weather sensors.
Raised Platform(varies, multiple sizes, as small as a few meters, to being as big as 2x2): A simple platform located on adjustable legs or fixed pilings. Less meant for structures, and more for placing fixed equipment, by allowing for a nice, flat surface to 'store'/place things on otherwise rough/uneven/soft terrain. Only the most basic and light of structures can be supported. Otherwise heavier items would have to have a framework that could better transfer their weight to the legs/pilings themselves. Using legs, grades can be no more than 5% can be handdled. Using pilings, grades of 30-45% could be handled for a smaller platform (1x1 or smaller), or 10-15% for a longer/wider platform (2x2).
Remote Shelter (1x1 or smaller?). A 'stand alone' structure designed to be semi-portable with rugged construction. It is basically a small ELS with small attached airlock and a rugged reinforced structure, and designed for minimal footprint. (alternative airlock interior layout needed, maybe built along the 'side', rather than 'sticking out' like on the default base?) Power is supplemented by small solar panels and vertical wind turbines on the roof, accessed via a side ladder. Included equipment is same as the fixed base ELS, plus small food (MRE) and medical storage lockers, small 5 gallon water tank, and a 'transfer' system to replenish (or draw from) its O2, water and power storage systems. The water tank would have multiple 'heating probes' and a flexible case to prevent issues from the water freezing during prolonged periods of not being used. The bottom of the framework doubles as a built in foundation and includes 6 removable 'legs' (4 corners of the 'shelter', other 2 at the end of the airlock extension) that can be adjusted to different lengths to handle uneven terrain. The legs can be removed so it can be placed on a Raised Platform. To get more technical/complex, there could also be a special 'self propelled' trailer (designed to also load/unload the shelter) used to transport it 'in game' (with the trailer needing to be 'pulled' by a rover).
Optional base module ideas (maybe more for immersion than anything else)
Lander Module (1x1? 2x2?): For some reason, a lander is available (perhaps based on the Dragon capsule?). Could be a support module for initial construction. Or just as a basic habitable structure meant mainly for decoration/immersion.
Landing Pad Module (1x1? 2x2?): Rather than a lander, a designated place for a lander... No 'connection' nodes, a stand alone structure, best placed at least a short distance from structures. Even if just for decoration/immersion.
Lander Docking Module (1x2? 2x3?): A reinforced/hardened 'structure' with a landing pad on top, it has connection points (or maybe 1, opposite of the landing pad), with 'access' adjacent to the landing pad for personnel and refueling equipment. Useful even if just for decoration/immersion.
Vehicle Refueling Station: A big 'stand alone' structure with large storage tanks. Stores a LOT of oxygen, hydrogen, and methane. Fits well near a landing pad, even if just for decoration/immersion (while remaining as a huge storage thing for rover fuel). Might fit well with a 'trade base' or 'convoy pit stop' themed base. Maybe include solar panels on the roof and radiators on the upper sides (to keep the 'contents' cool).
MMEV Berth: A big module with a raised 'retractable airlock bridge' and big 'parking spot'. For larger vehicles to 'dock' to (like the Manned Mars Exploration Vehicle, which will likely be a good 'work horse' for transporting heavy equipment and lots of materials based on some Mars colonization concepts). Maybe needed if trade with other bases becomes a thing that needs to be handled with actually using rovers to transport larger equipment. Otherwise, a big fancy structure just for decoration/immersion.