Building Information Modeling (BIM) Workflows for Construction Sequencing and 4D-Planning of 3D-Printed ISRU Surface Habitats

Abstract

Future autonomously constructed surface habitats on the Moon and Mars will leverage the versatility of additive manufacturing technologies to create airtight and durable structures which protect the crew from the harsh extraterrestrial environment. BIM workflows present significant value in the design and engineering of many space systems but particularly so for habitat facilities—which will include pre-integrated hardware components such as ECLS, airlocks, suitports, as well as hygiene modules. Synergies between BIM and construction management softwares with robotic control and software systems for emplacement and for additive manufacturing are yet to be realized—however there is no question that this research will become a necessary milestone in the development of autonomously constructed habitat systems. In particular, 4D-simulation in BIM software lends tremendous value to mission planning and mission architectures which conceive the autonomous robotic construction of a habitat system. In 2019 team SEArch+/Apis Cor won first place in Virtual Construction (BIM) Level 2 (100% Design) within NASA’s Phase 3 Challenge for a 3D-Printed Habitat on Mars, which was judged on criteria such as: BIM use functionality, Completeness of 3D model according to distinct levels of development for retaining walls, MEP, and ECLSS, Realism of 4D Model, among others. This paper will define the landscape of BIM use and simulation as it will apply to the future robotic deployment of space habitats, followed by a description of the project’s contribution to BIM workflows for the design of an ISRU surface habitat in the short term (both for developing an appropriate mission architecture as well as for full-scale construction prototyping on Earth), and concluding with recommendations for next steps in advancing present research and construction prototyping with such softwares.