Development - Timeline To The Future • Balanced View on Consciousness and Science

Project TriStar is building an underground facility that is designed to withstand the potential events leading up to and beyond these challenging times in human history. As such, various factors have been considered including: time to completion, safety, modularity, and design efficiency.

Safety is of the utmost importance to Project TriStar. This means that and all construction is engineered and managed by industry professionals who are familiar with the cosmic and geological potentials, modular design, and subterranean construction. All the necessary thermal, environmental, and load bearing calculations have already been completed by the prefabricated module manufacturer to determine how much dirt is needed to cover the containers and without the need for additional structural reinforcements.

Project TriStar achieves all of these objectives with it's modular design, choice of subterranean application, and the use of manufacturers with proven experience in turn-key solutions utilizing the this modular architecture. In essence, Project TriStar has left no stone unturned in it's pursuit of a viable and safe solution to accommodate off-the-grid and self-sustainable community development.

Project TriStar's infrastructure plan incorporates modularity, prefabrication, and concurrent processes to achieve timely efficiency in the construction phase. This modular design allows for some parts of the community to be in the design phase, while other parts are in the prefabrication (manufacturing) phase, and still others are in the construction phase.

Construction of the Project TriStar community begins with site preparation and development. This consists of grading the surface, installing footers, plumbing, and other utilities prior to the delivery and assembly of the prefabricated modules.

Project TriStar considered three methods for subterranean site development. One method is the more common and publicized subterranean development which involves digging or excavating down into the earth, lowering the modules into that excavated hole, and then back filling to cover the modules. The second method involves excavation for partial submergence of the structure, positioning the modules into the excavated area, and then moving the earth from around the structure and over the top of the modules creating an elevated appearance from the outside.

The third method involves positioning the structure near a small hillside or rise in elevation, excavating the surface area only, positioning the modules against this hillside, and then moving the dirt from the top of the hillside and over the entire structure. In this last method, it's necessary to choose a site location that provides a landscape for strategic positioning of the structure near rolling hills. With any one of these subterranean methods, it's important that enough dirt is placed on top of the modules to ensure adequate protection from any external cosmic, thermal, or environmental conditions.

There are a variety of considerations in determining which of these three methods to use including: logistics, structural integrity, cost, construction time, and geographic or physical location. For all of these reasons, Project TriStar has chosen this last method for creating it's subterranean modular community. This means the Project TriStar community is situated on the surface, next to a hillside, and earth is moved over the top of the entire structure.

Initial construction consists of both above and below ground facilities. The above ground facilities are used for construction management, staff housing, and other needs that support the community project pre and post development. The subterranean construction incorporates the modular design, allowing for future expansion of the facility if needed. The prefabricated modules are equipped with lighting, water, sewage, air ventilation, doors, windows and passage ways in accordance with the designated use of the module within the entire structure. The modules are then delivered to the site, positioned according to the community design plan, assembled and interconnected to form a contiguous structure.

COMPOSITE STRUCTURE: Is flexible and durable unlike other shelters. There is no basement feeling, no tin can feeling, and not a retrofitted tank. These structures are designed as high pressure composite underground structures. They have a life span of over 250 years, no corrosion inside or outside, no condensation inside the shelter like steel tanks, and the shelter inside surface is always bright white.

DESIGN: Includes compound curved shapes with no catastrophic failure mode like round tanks. They have no flat walls and no tensile loads. They are specifically designed for external pressures and ground shock far exceeding 8.5 Richter and can be placed in high water tables without tie-downs to produce concentrated stresses. The sealed composite shell keeps out radon gas as well as bugs and water.

CONSTANT HULL PRESSURE RATING: Shelters have a constant pressure rating that does not have to be de-rated each year due to corrosion like steel structures. The walls of all shelters are designed with an outward curve making the structure extremely strong and providing a much better atmosphere for claustrophobic shelterists. They range in rating from 15 psi (1.5 miles from Ground Zero of a 1 MT nuclear weapon) to 40 psi (1 mile from GZ of a 1 MT nuclear weapon) external pressure in addition to the earth static load and does not depend on earth arching. Shelters exposed to more than 40 psi require seatbelts.

RADIATION SHIELDING: Shelters have angled entranceways to reduce radiation entering the shelter to a safe level. All entranceway radiation transport geometry complies with PRINCIPLES OF PROTECTION, The US Handbook of Shelter Design Engineering Standards, 2002 and 2011. The standard earth cover over all shelters is 8.5 ft of earth. The maximum radiation dose in any shelter through both the entranceway and from overhead is based on a 1 MT surface burst and a 500 KT air burst which results in a maximum lifetime radiation dose inside the shelter from initial gamma radiation, gamma radiation, and neutron radiation of less than 1 REM (The same as a chest X-Ray).

STEALTH: The composite structures have no radar signature, minimal thermal signature, and with 8.5' of dirt above them are hard to find with ground penetrating radar. Camouflage and landscaping limit detection by digital imagery systems and direct observation.

ENTRANCEWAYS: Shelters are entered by conventional stairwells, spiral stairwells, ramps for the handicapped, tunnel ramps for vehicles, and various emergency escape tunnels. All connections from entranceways to the shelter and between shelters have a seismic joints allowing flexing during ground shock and normal earth movement.

SEISMIC JOINTS: All connections from entranceways to the shelter and between shelters have a seismic joints allowing flexing during ground shock and normal earth movement.

INTERNAL SHELTER PRESSURE: Shelters exposed to a blast, control the shelter internal pressure by Overpressure Choking so there are no moving parts. There is no use of obsolete technology using cumbersome blast valves that require maintenance and can get clogged by rodents and insects.

EMP PROTECTION: The shelter hulls are made of T2 Conductive Composite eliminating the conventional problems associated with corrosion. Shelters are also powered by internal generators to operate entirely "off the grid" so there is no risk of damage to internal equipment from EMP collected on grid power.

FOOD STORAGE BEAMS: Shelters can be supplied with optional Food Storage Beams that are extremely efficient and store large amounts of food under the second or third story floor and also provide a structural clear span beam. Space within walls and other structural elements can also be used for storage.

AIR FILTRATION: Shelters use a patented Nuclear-Biological-Chemical air filtration process called MCAS. The Multiple Chamber Air Sterilization filtration system is composed of a HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, TEDA carbon filter, and Ultraviolet Sterilization chamber producing a kill rate many times that required to kill molds, bacteria, and viruses. Air volumes range from 120 to 600 cfm depending on the blower. The filter elements are visible and can be easily changed and chemical warfare agents can be detected with this system without exiting the shelter. The MCAS air filtration system supplies filtered breathing air for people and for the generator at a minimum of 15 cubic feet per minute per shelterist. The normal breathing rate for an adults human is 0.33 cfm (cubic feet per minute).

INTERNAL GENERATOR: Shelters have internal quiet slow speed generators providing power for off the local power grid. Fuel tanks are made of special structural fiberglass located inside the shelter for leak detection. Fungicides and circulating pumps maintain the fuel. All air entering the shelter is filtered including generator cooling and combustion air. Generator exhaust is mixed with cooling air and diffused over a large area at the surface to minimize the thermal signature. The generators are operating in a composite structure and shielded from EMP by 8.5 feet of earth.

SECRECY: Secrecy can be an important part of the shelter location and construction. Shelters are generally used for temporary emergency structures with no foundation and no connection to local services therefore building permits for those things are not required (building permits are posted for public inspection). Earthcom structures have no concrete foundations or slab so there is no cure time installing a shelter. Shelters are installed by the manufacturer. No local contractors are used for the installation.

INSIDE SURFACE: Shelters have a smooth sanitary closed pore inside surface that can be easily maintained in a sanitary condition with almost any cleaning solution. The composite laminate has a Flame Spread of Class II under ASTM E 84 similar to epoxy coatings and shown above under the direct flame of a torch for 20 minutes.

LIGHTING: Shelters have LED lights with very low power consumption, very low heat generation, and over 50,000 hr average life. Lighting levels allow reading in all living areas inside the shelter.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: Shelters have both 12 VDC and 120 VAC electrical systems (larger shelters have 220VAC). They can be equipped with battery banks or other electrical storage cells and are maintained by an smart inverter/charger powered by the generator. There are separate circuit breaker panels for AC and DC and all wiring conforms to the NEC and/or ABYC codes.

PLUMBING SYSTEM: Shelters have conventional high pressure water systems, water filters, showers, kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, toilet with a sewage lift station, and high pressure fiberglass leaching septic tanks conforming to conventional leach field standards. Water is usually supplied by a dedicated well but water tanks and other supply systems are available.

COMMUNICATIONS: Shelters can be equipped with a scanner to listen to what is going on outside and HAM radio to communicate with the outside world if needed. The antennas are erected from inside the shelter after the disaster has passed. Various camouflaged surface mounted video observation systems are available.

Details on the module interior design and exterior design are also available.

Depending on the size of the subterranean structure and the number of prefabricated modules involved, there are literally infinite ways of planning and laying out the interior architecture. As the size of the community, services offered by the community, and number of modules increase, the complexity and layout options for the interior design also increase. There are some basic practical issues such as placing the living and sleeping quarters in a quiet location and maybe even placing the storage in the rear areas, but even these are dependent on many factors.

Once the number and size of modules has been determined, the prefabricated module manufacturer generates a development costs that include purchasing the modules, layout and construction of the module interiors, infrastructure development, site excavate, as well as delivery and assembly of the modules.

These images provide a visual representation of the interior module designs, but do not depict the actual designs for the Project TriStar subterranean community development. The Project TriStar infrastructure includes all necessary community services while achieving the infrastructure objectives of self-sustainability, redundancy, and safety. This means that the modules include: living quarters, food production, bathrooms & showers, fabrication & maintenance, community services, kitchen and food preparation, health services, assembly & dining, common area, and utilities & storage.

As you can see from these representations, modules can be configured to accommodate just about any community service or activity conceivable. The prefabricated modules can be configured with any internal layout or construction desired to achieve the Project TriStar community goals. The internal construction and layout of the modules includes assembly areas, operational offices, open spaces with plants to simulate above ground conditions, quiet areas for use in personal development exercises, growing facilities with the ability to grow a large assortment of fruit and nut trees, etc. Details on the exterior design and module specifications are also available.

The exterior design of a community constructed out of prefabricated modules can take on numerous characteristics of look and feel. These characteristics are influenced by factors including: number of community members, geographic or physical location, services offered by the community, and whether the infrastructure is totally or partially subterranean.

In other words, the size of a community and the services offered by the community determine the number and size of modules used in the infrastructure design. The infrastructure may be for above ground, below ground, or a combination; be located in the mountains with steep hillsides or on a flat level plateau; and may be on rocky terrain or a sandstone bed. Whatever the case, how the exterior of the community looks is determined completely by number and type of services being included in the plan.

The Project TriStar community is designed to support a minimum of 1,000 members, is completely subterranean other than external access points, and provides all the services and features that are necessary to achieve 100% subterranean self-sustainability.

Some of the keys to achieving the infrastructure objectives are a balance between modularity, efficiency, and expense while meeting and exceeding the necessities of 100% self-sustainability, redundancy, and safety.

The below image provides a visual representation of the exterior layout of the Project TriStar subterranean design that can support up to one thousand (1,000) people. Details on the interior design and module specifications are also available. In this representation, the blue modules represent entrance, exits, and passageways. The yellow and silver modules represent all other community functions including: living quarters, food production, bathrooms & showers, fabrication & maintenance, community services, kitchen and food preparation, health services, assembly & dining, common area, utilities, and storage.

Once the size of the modular community is established, the next step is to make this infrastructure subterranean. Project TriStar considered three methods for subterranean site development. The more common and publicized subterranean development method involves digging or excavating down into the earth, lowering the modules into that excavated hole, and then back filling to cover the modules. The second method involves excavation of the surface area, positioning the modules into the excavated area, and then moving the earth from around the structure and over the top of the modules creating an elevated appearance from the outside.

The third method involves positioning the modules near a small hillside or rise in elevation, excavating the surface area, positioning the modules near this hillside, and then moving the dirt from the top of the hillside and over the entire structure. In this last method, it's necessary to choose a site location that provides a landscape for strategic positioning of the structure near rolling hills. With any one of these subterranean methods, it's important that enough dirt is placed on top of the modules to ensure adequate protection from any external cosmic, thermal, or environmental conditions.

Project TriStar views the infrastructure goal of any conscious sustainable community to be as eco-friendly, safe, and natural as humanly possible. Project TriStar also believes that humans are intended to live above ground, but also understands that possible future events could create an environment where above ground living is neither safe nor practical. With this in mind, Project TriStar has concluded that the infrastructure planning, design, and construction will be organized in two phases.

Phase1 involves the development of a subterranean facility for use through the period where events could result in the inability to sustain life and operations above ground. Phase2 involves the development of above ground facilities for use after these possible events.

Phase1 includes the use of modular, cost effective, and proven solutions to provide a safe, habitable, and fully sustainable below ground living environment. Due to the obvious safety risks of building a subterranean facility, Phase1 development incorporates the use of more synthetic materials and modern technologies with as many eco-friendly and natural solutions as possible.

Phase2 will include the use of naturally available materials and proven techniques to construct buildings and create the community infrastructure above ground. Besides the storage and use of some basic supplies and materials, Phase2 development will incorporate solutions that are 100% natural and eco-friendly with little or no use of synthetic products or modern technologies.

Although Phase2 development operations are equally important to the long-term sustainability of the Project TriStar community, Phase2 will not be implemented immediately, but will be planned and documented for future application. The remainder of this document focuses on the more immediate Phase1 development operations and the proposed techniques, technologies, and construction methods.

Research:

This Phase1 infrastructure solution begins with extensive research into the possible and probable future events. From this research, Project TriStar concluded that events may occur that would be hazardous, and even deadly, to human life and there may be periods of time, up to and including several months to a year, where above ground living may be unsustainable. Project TriStar further concluded that any above ground structures built prior to such events may also be destroyed or damaged during these same events.

With a balanced perception on risks, needs, and desires, Project TriStar concluded that it is prudent and wise to take precautionary actions in order to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of the community and it's members. Project TriStar further concluded that prior to such events, the primary community facility design is a subterranean architecture with some surface structures, as needed, to support the construction, development, and agricultural activities. Once it has been determined that the period for the possible events has come and gone, Project TriStar will initiate construction of new facilities on the surface as part of the Phase2 development.

Objectives:

The primary objectives of the Phase1 subterranean design are to accommodate the following features for the entire community:

Safe living environment from possible events.
Production of all food and nutrition needs.
House and maintain all community and operational services.
Fully self-sustainable for long durations.
Repair and maintain every system and/or subsystem.
Manufacture or produce any essential products.
Ease of access to operate above ground.

Design:

Project TriStar considered several infrastructure and architecture designs including the commonly publicized "bunker" designs made from reinforced concrete, the privatization and purchase of abandoned military bunkers, and even the use of pre-existing cave systems. Project TriStar determined that these designs are not practical due to a variety of issues such as location, capacity, self-sustainability, structural integrity, spacial layouts, and ultimately their long-term viability.

In order to achieve the community infrastructure objectives, lifestyle goals, economic feasibility, and time constraints, Project TriStar researched subterranean designs and ideas that are both practical and conventional. After much consideration and deliberation, Project TriStar settled on the concept of using a prefabricated modular design with inter-connectable modules to form larger structures.

Project TriStar found that throughout modern times, the use shipping containers in building construction has increased exponentially worldwide due to the practical, cost effective, and structural integrity for above ground applications. Shipping containers are currently being used in construction sites, schools, self-storage, community housing, mobile hospitals, site administration, Antarctic research labs, and are being retrofitted to just about every possible building application. However, what Project TriStar also concluded is that shipping container designs are neither practical nor structurally sound for use in large subterranean developments.

Some factors that must be considered when designing any underground structure include: structural integrity, longevity, emergency planning, and safety. To ensure these and all other concerns are met or exceeded, Project TriStar has enlisted companies that specialize in all forms of modular subterranean construction. These firms have years of experience is both above and below ground construction and all the resources and expertise needed to create a turnkey solution for the Project TriStar community.

Structural Integrity:

When considering subterranean architecture and structures, the primary concerns are those of structural integrity and sustainability. Due to the possible Earth events and the plan to be prepared for such events, structural integrity and practicality played an important role in Project TriStar's evaluation of viable development solutions.

Although steel reinforced concrete bunker designs and other industry standard earthquake proof designs may provide viable solutions for structural integrity, these methods are not generally modular as they are fabricated onsite, are also the most costly to build, and require the longest construction lead times. As an alternative, Project TriStar settled on a prefabricated modular design with a proven track record for structural integrity and application in subterranean developments.

Foundation:

As with any construction or development project, everything starts with the foundation, and therefore, the structural integrity of the Project TriStar modular community design also starts with a proper building foundation. The ground must be leveled, assured of the adequate compaction, and then footers, pads, and utilities must be installed prior to the installation and assembly of the modular architecture. This part of the infrastructure planning also includes the installation of mains and associated plumbing for water, sewage, and drainage.

For structural integrity, most building footers, pads, and foundations are constructed using steel reinforced concrete. This is not to be confused with the previously described underground bunker designs constructed entirely of steel reinforced concrete. As a surface application, the use of steel reinforced concrete meets with the Project TriStar budget and time constraints.

Modular Design:

The modular design solution for the Project TriStar Phase1 subterranean facility has decades of proven track record and success in a variety of underground applications. The variety of sizes for prefabricated modules and the diversity of interior design options allows for the greatest flexibility of any modular design solution available in the world today. The below image provides a brief representation of how this modular technology can be implemented.

The prefabricated modules are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate any development needs and can be mixed and matched for compartmentalizing various subterranean operations and storage. Each of these modules are manufactured in sections for ease in transport and assembly, and in the case of the rectangular modules, to accommodate variations in the module lengths. This further increases the flexibility for design and organization of different departments and operations of the subterranean facility. The manufacturing materials and arched design enable these modules to withstand the heavy loads that are required for subterranean developments.

With the versatility of these development modules, Project TriStar is creating a subterranean city that includes one, two, and three story environments to provide both open space and workspace for the community members. The layout and function of various modules creates an environment that compartmentalizes the various community operations such as food production, living quarters, storage, power generation, health, and leisure for practical convenience from all areas of the facility. Details on the interior design, exterior design, and module specifications are also available.

Utilities:

The use of electrical power is often an issue when considering an off-the-grid self-sustainable community. Some people may feel that it opposes the very concept of an off-the-grid lifestyle. Others may feel that man-made electricity is an antagonist to human beings and organic life in general. Still others may feel that nothing electrical will function either before, during, or after the possible Earth events.

Project TriStar understands that electricity is not a necessity for human life and that electrical power generation, storage, and transport may not always be available in the future. For these and many other reasons, Project TriStar will utilize electricity to compliment and enhance the community operations and will incorporate the generation and use of electrical power using the most alternative and renewable approaches possible. These needs include: lighting, water, air and sewage processing, and the numerous community services such as medical care, fabrication, and food production.

The community is designed to use alternative renewable power sources wherever possible and anywhere electricity is used, the ability to convert over from electricity to alternative power as needed or desired. In all respects, the key to a self-sustainable off-the-grid lifestyle is the ability to manufacture or produce everything that is needed for the community without the convenience of metropolitan access and/or supply stores. This means that whatever is used for subterranean power generation, storage, and use must be maintainable and repairable through the use of practical and available skills.

Some alternative power sources that may be applied in the Project TriStar community include: refracted and redirected sunlight, wind, water, solar and geothermal, human power, as well as gravity. Although some community systems are based on the use of electrical power, these same systems are designed with the ability that any electricity needs be manually generated by alternative means. The community is also designed using human powered mechanical solutions wherever possible and as the ultimate backup to all electrical systems. Some of these solutions include: foot powered sewing and laundry machines and hand or foot powered air and water pumps.

Filtration:

Besides the basic community needs of living quarters, food production, and community services, the Project TriStar infrastructure plan also includes essential utility services such as water and air filtration, waste water recycling, and sewage processing. It's also an essential part of the Project TriStar community plan that backup power options exist for all community operations.

Logistics:

The Project TriStar subterranean infrastructure and architecture implementation is unique in its exterior design, as well as its interior design. This community design is being meticulously planned and constructed from an understanding of community logistics, atmosphere, and lifestyle. This plan incorporates an understanding of the essence of community and the community lifestyle goals coupled with the necessities of life and a desire to be prepared for the potential and possible events surrounding these times.

Location:

One of the basic concepts in the Project TriStar community design is achieving a balance between what events are potential, and preparing for as many events as possible in a timely, cost effective, constructive, and non-fear-based manner. First and foremost in this preparation is the choice of community location. Project TriStar is well aware that the choice of location can literally eliminate 50% or more of the risks related to possible Earth events. With this in mind, Project TriStar has chosen a location that minimizes the risks and maximizes the resources for the community development.

Although one Project TriStar community location has been determined, this sustainability model can be applied to any location. Visit "Where Will It Be Safe?" for more information on choosing a community location or Possible Earth Events and Social Economic Impacts for more information on the coming potentials that may impact your choice.

The Project TriStar community is set up as a corporate entity with all land ownership and management responsibilities handled by the corporation. Although land and other forms of property ownership are not considered important to most community members, they are still generally required to develop such a community project at this moment in history.

Project TriStar has been approached to help facilitate affiliate communities in other geographic locations, however, no arrangements have been made to move forward with those community developments at this time. If any of these other community locations become available for membership, Project TriStar will post information on how and where to apply.

Timetable:

The primary community facility is constructed below ground level (subterranean) as a practical precaution for the possible and probable cosmic, geophysical, and global events. Several passages within the facility provide easy access for outside activities as environmental conditions permit. Some above ground structures are built and used for various functions as needed.

Project TriStar understands that mankind is intended to live above ground. Materials and preparations have been acquired to facilitate the construction of above ground structures once it has been determined that outside environmental conditions are stable and safe after the period of possible events.

Community planning is underway and expected to continue in a balanced and assertive manner. Construction of the community is being managed by the modular component manufacturer and involves timing and coordination of site preparation, modular prefabrication, delivery, and assembly. The completion of the community development is not being predicted at the moment and will only be known based on the development progress. In order to ensure the community development moves smoothly and is completed in a timely manner, the Project TriStar Management Committee will work closely with the development contractor and monitor their activities and progress.

Click here for more information and a detailed explanation on the community Development Timeline.

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