I can't create rockets for putting very heavy stuff into LKO (4000-5000 m/s Δv at least) that aren't overcomplicated and completely uncontrollable contraptions with double or even triple asparagus staging and truckloads of struts, solid fuel boosters, Vernor engines and delta-wings.
Does anyone have any tips on constructing reliable super-heavy launch vehicles?
Are your rockets very wobbly?
I've discovered that only fuel tanks and very large engines and boosters actually have any decent structural strength, you would think that squad would realise that 2.5 meter inline SAS modules might need to be as strong as the rest of the rocket to not wobble the damn thing apart.
You could install joint reinforcement, or manually add breakingForce = 50 and breakingTorque = 50 under the crash tolerance line of the config file for the offending parts.
Edit: Just finished a heavy lifter:
624.1 tons, 76.8 ton payload. Mass fraction of 12.3% 72.8m high.
Reached 75x75 km orbit with 320 dv to spare. About 3300 dv to reach orbit.
Design is less than ideal, particularly in regards to severe instability around the large SAS and engine cowlings.
The solution was quad triangular stabilization struts.
Another issue was boosters colliding with the bottom radial engines. Solution was sepratrons.
Note that it is entirely possible for the heat from these to detonate a fuel tank, particularly an empty one, altering thrust may be required. Also note the struts on the boosters, they were unstable.
Another issue was the top launch clamps colliding with the solid boosters. I used small radial separators and baby cubic struts for the required clearance.
The separation debris does tend to collide with things, but they're light enough to not be fatal... so far.
Lastly a closeup of the payload. Nothing special, 45 tons of ore, a poodle and enough fuel for 1030 dv, should be enough to reach the mun or duna. Contains a docking port for access, and antenna because remotetech.
Very important is the large battery and pair of solar panels. I used mechjeb to reach orbit and without the batteries ran out of change before MJ started the circularization burn.
As I'm a terrible builder this took me about 2 hours. Use of 3 meter parts would almost certainly be more efficient,