Hangar Floor Settlements at Thule Air Base, Greenland

• Main Authors: Tobiasson, Wayne, Lowry, III, J
• Other Authors: AIR FORCE WEAPONS LAB KIRTLAND AFB NM
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1970
• Subjects: Snow; Ice and Permafrost; Structural Engineering and Building Technology; *FOUNDATIONS(STRUCTURES); *HANGARS; CONSTRUCTION; FAILURE(MECHANICS); FLOORS; FREEZING; GREENLAND; INSTRUMENTATION; MELTING; MILITARY FACILITIES; SOILS; *COLD WEATHER CONSTRUCTION; *HANGAR FLOOR SETTLING; THULE AIR FORCE BASE; Greenland; Thule Air Base; Ice; permafrost; Thule Air; Thule
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0867561; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0867561

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.