Analysis of Recent Support-Column Survey Results for the Elevated Facility at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
Abstract
The snow-based foundation for the large elevated Station at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is continuously migrating (creep) away from the load imparted by structures support columns and grade beams. Because of nonhomogeneities in the snow foundation, differential loads on each support column, and the facilitys approximately 10-year build-out and progressive-occupancy period, nonuniform settlement of columns is occurring. The created differences in the tops of the columns, where the Stations floor is attached, can cause serious structural damage and interfere with utilities. Following up on our previous (2006) review of the history of column settlement, this report incorporates essential ancillary measurements and assesses actual Station floor levelness. We determine that past actions to mitigate differential column settlement by shimming at column tops has and continues to be adequate to maintain an acceptable floor levelness. Further, we present a model for predicting future measures of floor levelness that can help facilitate decisions about when and what columns to shim to best preserve resources.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1075381
Entities
People
- George Blaisdell
- Jason Weale
- Lynette Barna