MultiColumnSquare

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Description

This is much like a Dumbbell, except with multiple columns between the upper and lower decks. It looks sort of like this (large) image: Image:Semisub_upclose.jpg, except the columns are narrower, and the top deck sticks out a bit.

Detail

• The top platform is a square, for ease of FractalTiling. If we have an edge unit of 10 meters, then we can build squares at 10x10, 20x20, 40x40, etc, and they can all tile together.
• The columns are spars or open truss (whatever is cheapest) at each corner, platform above, submerged ballast/buoyancy below.
• It is desirable to have at least 1 spar for protected access to underwater / surface.
• The columns are set slightly in from the edge of the platform. This allows for LowerAndSneak.

Requirements Analysis

(As compared to a Dumbbell)

• Safety
  • Should be safer, because multiple columns can support a platform with much less stress on the spars. (Still has shear problems if the whole structure tilts).
  •  ?? Also should be more stable ??
• Cost - Unknown effect.
• Pretty - Seems less pretty to me.
• Modular - Can be locked together / tiled just like a dumbbell, except even more solidly, b/c we are not worried as much about stresses induced by combining platforms, because the multiple column design is solider and "squarer".
• Cargo - Much easier to hoist things up, because we have wide support for the top platform, don't have to worry about unbalancing things.
• Scalable - I think it scales fine both up and down.