CONSTRUCTION IN MUSKEG. A SUMMARY AND COMPILATION OF CURRENT PRACTICE.
Abstract
The basic approaches to construction in muskeg areas are to (1) avoid muskeg, (2) remove the peat, or (3) design for and utilize the muskeg. The complete removal of peat and its replacement by good fill to provide a solid foundation is usually employed for roads crossing shallow deposits or main highways carrying heavy traffic. Current practice in Canada and in the northern U. S. appears to favor mechanical excavation, although deep peat deposits are troublesome. In this case, gravity displacement methods, with or without partial excavation, are often used. Explosives are used less now than prior to World War II, due to the unpredictable results. The use of hydraulic stabilization or jetting is almost confined to the State of Minnesota, although the method has considerable potential where large amounts of granular fill and water are available. Stability, settlement, and frost action must be considered when building on peat. With flotation methods the bearing capacity is utilized and continued settlements are accepted. The sand-drain technique has been applied to stabilize 'soft' deposits but it is now questionable. Pile foundations are the least affected by peat properties. Drainage of a muskeg area is usually extremely difficult and often impossible. Extracts of selected references on muskeg and peat have been grouped in appendixes dealing with general aspects, mechanical excavation, displacement, jetting, explosives, flotation, consolidation, accelerated settlements, and subsidiary methods in current practice. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0627043
Entities
People
- John A. Pihlainen
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory