Dec 14, 2016, 07:19
by
Corby Bender
When humans begin to colonise Mars, could Webforge grating and other products play a key role in settlement?
Right now, Mars is waiting for the first humans courageous and daring enough to pioneer it. Whether that historic moment is a century or just over a decade away, it will come as the result of intense determination, innovation and planning. While much of that will focus on how we get to Mars, it will also need to address how we build on the Martian surface.
Let's take a look at some of the reasons why Webforge could soon be making its mark on Mars.
Forging ahead with FRP
When the Viking landers took samples of the Martian soil during their mission in the late 1970s, they found an abundance of silicon dioxide, a key ingredient for glass production, making up 40 per cent of the soil composition. According to a NASA report, this could be an excellent resource for producing fibreglass on Mars.
An abundance of silicon dioxide could support fibreglass production on Mars.
Constantly shipping buildings from the Earth to Mars is just not feasible, so being able to manufacture them on-site is the only sustainable option. Given that, a Webforge fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) grating factory would be a major strategic installation on the planet.
Another main benefit of FRP grating on Mars, just as on Earth, is that it is a thermal insulator - it is a poor conductor of heat and cold. With an average temperature of about minus 60 Celsius and drastic fluctuations, Mars is only suitable for exterior infrastructure that can withstand a wide temperature range. FRP-based materials could meet this capability for durable constructions.
Providing safety and stability
While we don't yet know what industries will take off in a future Martian colony, there will certainly be a need for infrastructure that addresses the planet's unique environment. Gravity is going to be one of the most important considerations in this regard.
NASA notes that gravity on Earth is nearly 2.7 times stronger than it is on Mars. This could present a number of issues when it comes to working on the planet. If you're climbing up a flight of stairs, you don't want to go flying off at the top; safety barriers and handrail systems will help workers stay in the right place.
Anti-slip nosings, an ideal addition to any Access grating, can provide that extra traction needed in low-gravity environments.
The features that make Webforge products perfect for Mars also make them an excellent choice for projects here on Earth. Contact us today to learn more.