Hangar Floor Settlements at Thule Air Base, Greenland
Abstract
An investigation has been made of hangar floor settlement problems at Thule Air Base, Greenland. Inspection of existing instrumentation and soil- cooling systems were accomplished. Results of this inspection are presented. Existing temperature sensors were found to be in excellent condition; however, readout capability was poor. Pumping of ground water has removed no fines from the fill which might have caused settlement. Major cause of settlement was found to be thawing of permafrost under floors. Pumping of ground water has caused thawing which has contributed to settlement. Duct blockages in the soil-cooling system has also allowed thawing to occur resulting in settlement. Recommendations are made to control further hangar settlement. Blocked ducts in the soil-cooling system should be cleared on an annual basis. The water table should be lowered by lowering the water level in nearby Lake Eddy. Recommendations were also made to improve instrumentation in order that effective operation and maintenance procedures for hangar foundations could be developed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0867561
Entities
People
- J. Lowry Iii
- Wayne Tobiasson
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory