1. ERDC Knowledge Core
2. Pre - Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
3. Arctic Construction and Frost Effects Laboratory (ACFEL) - (1953-1961)
4. Technical Publication
5. Technical Report

Title:	Comprehensive report : investigation of military construction in Arctic and Subarctic regions, appendix 1 : airfield site studies at Northway Airfield, Alaska
Authors:	United States. Army. Corps of Engineers. St. Paul District.
Keywords:	Airfields Runways Cold regions Arctic regions Cold weather construction Construction Soils Soil mechanics Thermal properties Permafrost Frozen ground Frozen soils Frost action Frost Frost heave Frost heaving Permafrost indicators Meteorology Meteorological data Climatology Climate Aerial photography Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska EPOLAR
Publisher:	Arctic Construction and Frost Effects Laboratory (U.S.) Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Description:	Technical Report Summary: The object of this investigation is to collect basic physical data on soil characteristics, ground temperatures, groundwater, foundation designs, and other factors as they affect designs and construction at this site, with particular reference to permanently frozen ground and its associated problems. The purpose of this investigation is to observe the effect of permafrost on the facilities of the Northway Airfield throughout a series of seasonal cycles. In reviewing the information obtained from the following analysis, the fact that the structures had been heated well over a year before observations were started should be borne in mind. Structures and utilities, with the exception of the hangar and runway, were turned over to the War Assets Administration in the summer of 1948 for disposal. Future observations will be taken monthly at the hangar and runway until underground temperatures at the hangar have stabilized. The investigation, which was undertaken to determine the causes of construction difficulties and the means necessary to overcome these difficulties, has been conducted in the following manner: a.) Subsurface explorations. Numerous core and churn drilling operations from 30 to 50 ft in depth were conducted throughout the area to accurately determine the depths to permafrost and to obtain core samples for subsequent laboratory tests to determine the characteristics of the surface and subsurface soils. Many of these operations were conducted in specific locations to permit the subsequent installation of ground temperature measuring equipment. (See Plates I-1, I-5, I-6, I-7 and I-8.) b.) Groundwater wells. Churn drill holes were drilled at various locations to permit the installation of groundwater well pipes to determine seasonal water table fluctuations. c.) Probings. Probings supplemented by auger borings were taken at periodic intervals to determine the depths of seasonal frost and permafrost. d.) Vertical movement observations. Numerous vertical movement observation points were installed on the airfield facilities such as the runway, hangar and other buildings. Periodic observations were referred to a series of permanent bench marks.
Rights:	Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI:	http://hdl.handle.net/11681/6551
Appears in Collections:	Technical Report