ARCTIC FIELD TEST OF PORTABLE FOAMCORE SHELTER.

• Main Author: Roy,John F.
• Other Authors: ARCTIC AEROMEDICAL LAB FORT WAINWRIGHT ALASKA
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1967
• Subjects: Structural Engineering and Building Technology; *SHELTERS; *CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS; *STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS; ENVIRONMENTS; ARCTIC REGIONS; COLD WEATHER TESTS; EXPANDED PLASTICS; VENTILATION; THERMAL INSULATION; Arctic; The Arches
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0653179; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0653179

A lightweight portable 16 x 32 ft foamcore shelter was tested in a cold environment to determine its adequacy and potential use in an arctic environment. The Quonset-shaped structure had a foundation frame of aluminum grade beam sections fastened together with connector bolts. Panel construction was a composite of 1/4-in. thick polystyrene foam with a paper liner laminated to each side and painted with a resin-type coating. Velcro material fastened together the arches and end panels. Flooring was a synthetic tarpaulin. One-inch thick urethane foam panels provided additional insulation. The shelter was anchored with grade beam stakes and tie-down ropes. To provide temperature measurements the shelter was instrumented with copper-constantan thermocouples and thermistor probes. Test results showed the test item was a suitable general-purpose shelter for arctic use and capable of a continuous period of use or several assembly-disassembly cycles. It did not seem advantageous for use in field maneuvers where frequent movement of the structure would be necessary. If the shelter were to be used extensive in the arctic, suggested priority design modifications include: Redesign the entrance to provide a vestibule or double door for better thermal protection; use a structural floor or a flooring material that remains flexible at -40F; incorporate a suitable auxiliary insulation system; and improve the ventilation system.