Borrow Resource Studies in Near-Shore Areas of Alaska's North Slope

by David C. Williams, Rittenhouse-Zeman & Associates, Inc, Bellevue, WA,
Alvin R. Zeman, Rittenhouse-Zeman & Associates, Inc, Bellevue, WA,
Douglas B. Holsten, Rittenhouse-Zeman & Associates, Inc, Bellevue, WA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Civil Engineering in the Arctic Offshore

Abstract:

Innovative and cost-effective techniques are utilized in the exploration and analysis of near-shore sources of sand and gravel on Alaska's North Slope. High quality sources of granular borrow material have been successfully developed by hydraulic dredges. Six separate projects conducted in remote Arctic villages each provided the opportunity to utilize a variety of geotechnical research methods followed by field exploration employing specialized drilling and sampling tools. Thorough literature research revealed the need for up-to-date information regarding Arctic geomorphology. Photogrammetric analysis of coastal areas utilizing CIR data allowed early selection of prospective exploration sites. Summer field reconnaissance studies relied on the use of portable boat mounted sampling tools. Preliminary studies led to full-scale winter drilling and sampling. Utilizing track-mounted drill rigs, thru-the-ice Exploration often under extreme weather conditions, disclosed the nature and distribution of prospective borrow materials.

Subject Headings: Granular materials | Geomorphology | Subsurface investigation | Slopes | Photogrammetry | Offshore drilling | Nearshore | Alaska | United States | Arctic

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