Some Problems in Engineering Geology Caused by Permafrost in the Arctic Coastal Plain, Northern Alaska

Abstract

Deals with permafrost as the controlling influence on certain engineering projects as observed during field studies, 1945-1951. Its direct and indirect effects on transportation, surface and underground exploration, construction and durability of structures, water supply, sewage disposal, drilling for and production of oil and gas are considered, but no attempt is made to present an overall survey. "Overland transportation is hampered most in the spring breakup and fall freeze-up periods; excavation can be made only in summer in the active layer unless special methods are used. Bench marks can be set properly only in adequately drained backfill to 10 m. depth. Foundation excavations must be kept nearly dry; construction material for roads is lacking except locally. Steel landing mats and concrete can be used safely on gravel beaches for landing strips; small airstrips can be built on sand dunes with little grading and little danger of affecting the permafrost. A frozen runway of pycrete or icecrete utilizing turf and surface soil as the foundation and permafrost as a cold reserve in a heat exchanger is recommended for areas lacking suitable materials."--SIPRE.