Literature Review on Building Envelope, Heating and ... - Beeshive.org

Pier Foundation System
Brooks (2000) discussed the rationale for the pier foundation for the above-surface
facilities. Environmental conditions in Antarctica’s non-coastal locations pose significant
challenges, and traditional construction methods of cold regions are not adequate to cope
with them. The main challenge is the annual snow accumulation. With no frost cycle,
snow accumulation eventually buries structures built on the surface. Snow drifts, created
by high winds, speed up the burial process. To overcome this environmental difficulty,
the pier foundation is used and buildings are initially constructed 3 to 5 m (10 to 16 ft.)
above the snow surface, often incorporating a means of periodically raising the building
to remain above the snow accumulation.
Pier foundations also help in controlling snow drifting. The elevated structure allowed
wind to channel below the structure, which effectively swept the snow away, eliminating
the problem. Haugun (1991) reported a similar finding. Elevating the building above the
ground by about 1.8 m (6 ft.) worked well in avoiding excessive snow accumulation
around the building. Wind flow under the building kept the immediate area of the
building clear of snow. Brooks (2000) also reviewed various pier foundations and
structure-jacking methods for other above-surface stations built on the interior ice shelf
plateau in Antarctica.
Station Construction
The US South Pole station consists of a row of 13 modular buildings elevated 3 m (10 ft.)
above the surface on scaffold piping. Based on the results of wind-tunnel testing, the row
of buildings was oriented at right angles to the prevailing wind and connected by a single
walk covered by semicircular corrugated galvanized steel siding on the windward side.
The visual effect is that of a C-shaped structure, rounded on the windward side and
squared on the leeward side.
Construction Challenges
Marty (1999, 2000, 2004) and Rand and Brier (2000) discussed the construction of the
station that replaced the 1975 facility. The construction started in 1997 with a planned
completion in 2007. When completed, the elevated facility will include new remote
facilities, a communications centre, garages, and shops. The design concept of the 1975
as well as the 1957 facility was based on placing buildings within steel arches that could
withstand burial and also within a dome structure. The concept of the new facility was
based on a balance of below-surface and elevated structures. The existing steel arches are
to be used for utilities and storage. The unique complexities and challenges of
construction particular to this antarctic location included the following.
• Shortness of breath and headaches caused by altitude are common. The station is
situated at 2852 m (9355 ft.) above sea level. In addition, barometric pressure
fluctuations create equivalent altitudes of 3424 m (11 235 ft.). Clothing weight limits
dexterity and work efficiency. The average weight of clothing is about 16 kg (35 lbs).
Climate conditions include a mean temperature of -49ºC (-56ºF) in summer and -62ºC
(-80ºF) in winter. Wind chill can lower average temperatures to -57ºC (-70ºF) in
summer and -73ºC (-100ºF) in winter.
PERD-079: Task 2 - <strong>Literature</strong> <strong>Review</strong> 53