AXIAL CAPACITY OF PILES FOUNDED IN PERMAFORST: A CASE STUDY ON THE APPLICABILITY OF MODERN PILE DESIGN

• Main Authors: Kyle L. Scarr, Robert L. Mokwa, Ph. D
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: permafrost
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.551.3540; http://www.bioregions.org/pdfs/pile_permafrost_bridges.pdf

A review of the most current and accepted practices in design of piles in permafrost is examined. Key input parameters necessary for the design of piles in permafrost are described with an emphasis on the characteristics of the permafrost itself. Regionally available resources and databases on permafrost characteristics are discussed along with the need for continued research, data collection, and data assimilation. A case study describing a bridge crossing over a large river at a remote permafrost site in Mongolia is presented. A unique aspect of the project involves the application of modern pile design procedures at this remote northern region in which primitive construction techniques are used to install timber piles during the winter though a frozen active layer.