Author: Kenneth R. Shankle

Publisher:

Published: 1985

Total Pages: 80

ISBN-13:

The relatively recent growth in military and scientific facilities in polar regions and the industrial exploitation of Alaska and northern Canada, has necessitated a better understanding of the physical environment of cold regions. With this increased activity and occupation of cold regions also comes the need for better engineered structures. Foundations on permafrost, or perennially frozen ground, present special problems and demands in design and construction. Design of foundations in areas of seasonal frost where the material below the frost line remains unfrozen present certain problems. However, by taking structural loads to depths below the frost line, potential problems from heave and lateral thrust are generally removed. Permafrost itself is actually a fairly good material with high compressive strength. However, it does tend to creep under load, and cyclical freezing and thawing are of particular concern. Freezing and thawing have dramatic effects on the soil properties upon which the stability or a structure depends. The magnitude of these effects depend not only on the type of soil and its water content, but also on environmental factors such as weather, ground cover, snow, and the thermal properties of subsurface materials.