Thawing of Permafrost at Barrow, Alaska - A Method for Stabilizing Floor Foundations.
Abstract
The Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory conducted experiments using steam and cold water as the heat transfer media to determine the best method for thawing the permafrost under a Navy hangar at Barrow, Alaska. Permafrost can be efficiently thawed using either steam or cold water. Steam thawing is generally faster, but more equipment is required and fuel is an important cost factor. Cold-water thawing gives higher efficiency per heat unit and better control of the temperature beyond the thawed zone. The two methods may be economically competitive because the costs for equipment and fuel for steam thawing are partially offset by the large quantities of cold-water and the additional time required for cold-water thawing. Procedures and equipment are suggested for employing either method to thaw the permafrost beneath the floor of the hanger at Barrow. Soil data and information relevant to the thermal behavior of permafrost are also presented. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0735867
Entities
People
- J. A. O'brien
- R. A. Paige
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center