TUNNEL COOLING FOR BYRD STATION, ANTARCTICA - PROGRESS REVIEW.

• Main Author: Hoffman, Clark R.
• Other Authors: NAVAL CIVIL ENGINEERING LAB PORT HUENEME CA
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1967
• Subjects: Civil Engineering; *UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES); (*ANTARCTIC REGIONS; SNOW; COOLING; DEFORMATION; STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES; TUNNELS; Antarctic; Byrd; Byrd Station; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0814606; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0814606

Deformation of the snow tunnels at Byrd Station, Antarctica, attributed in part to above 0 F tunnel temperatures, threatens the structural integrity and useful life of the undersnow camp. Observations in February 1967 indicate that continued deformation of the snow tunnels will require major reconstruction in the near future. Lower tunnel air temperatures in 1967 at most locations throughout the station are attributed to recent installation of doors at tunnel passageways which prevent entrance and circulation of warmer surface air. Priority construction of a full-scale tunnel cooling system with potential capacity for lowering tunnel temperatures is recommended in view of the continued deterioration of tunnel L-7. When this is completed, NCEL will instrument and evaluate the performance of the system. The major problems in operation and maintenance of the Byrd Station facility are of an engineering nature. As a result, the station complement should include an experienced engineer thoroughly familiar with past station operation and current procedures and requirements. (Author)