My question is this:
(EDIT: My test plan was not rigorous enough, this does not actually work like as it initially seemed to)
Can a floor hatch -- by it's self, assuming all other conditions for a cave-in are met -- prevent a cave-in?
Let me expand on this by describing the scenario I have in mind, I'll start by stating a few
facts:
Regarding Cave-ins:
- Cave-ins require orthogonal support, diagonal walls or floors will not support a cave-in
- a bridge will not support a cave-in
Regarding Hatch Covers:
- hatch covers can be constructed over empty space
- hatch covers require orthogonal support to be constructed, a diagonally connected wall or floor is insufficient
bridges count as a support structure for hatch covers
Regarding bridges:
- a raising bridge requires a floor along the entire side that it raises TOWARDS
- all but one tile of this floor may be deconstructed after the bridge is complete, and the bridge will still function
Right, so with that established (yes, those are all
tested and established facts), let me get to the scenario I have in mind:
Dig a hole:
.....
.._..
.___.
.._..
.....
Build some walls in the bottom of the hole, so you've got some "floors" or "wall-tops" to work with on the upper level:
.....
..+..
.+_+.
..+..
.....
Build some bridges that raise TOWARDS the hole:
.....
.╥╞╡.
.╨_╥.
.╞╡╨.
.....
REMOVE the constructed walls, so there is no solid orthagonal support to the hole except via bridge.
Build a hatch cover over the hole, supported by the bridges:
(EDIT: This part does not actually work. I seemed to have overlooked a supporting piece of ground when setting up the first test case)
.....
.╥╞╡.
.╨¢╥.
.╞╡╨.
.....
All of the above is
DONE, is possible, tested, works as described.
My question is as above: In this configuration, will the hatch cover prevent a cave-in while it is closed? If I go on to rig up some water and magma plumbing to cast a single block of obsidian into that little bridgey/hatchey crucible, will the closed hatch cover support it until I open the hatch cover with a lever?
If so, I have a re loadable cave-in / magma mist generator.
If not, the reloading process will require the construction of a single 1x1 retracting bridge in place of the hatch cover... so I guess it isn't so bad even if it does not work the way I am hoping it does. (EDIT: this wont be supported either, so the floor tile wont work)