Adjustable Foundation Design Development Innovations in Arctic Engineering

by Bryan Borjesson, P.E., (F.ASCE),



Part of: Permafrost Foundation: State of the Practice

Abstract:

The purpose of adjustable foundation systems is to accommodate a wide variety of soils, including those which have low bearing capacity or which may be subject to settlement and/or horizontal movement due to thawing of permafrost or ice lenses. In northern climates, such as Alaska, villages, towns, and cities develop on sites where soils are sound and demonstrate good bearing capacity. However, as the towns grow into cities, the construction of residential housing moves further and further away from the city center and, consequently, the good bearing soils that allowed the city to develop. In general, when this occurs, foundation soils of a lesser quality are encountered. As an area is developed, the poorer soils are the only areas that remain available for construction sites, hence, the need to develop techniques to make those sites usable.

Subject Headings: Urban areas | Urban and regional development | Soil settlement | Foundation settlement | Foundation design | Construction sites | Residential construction | Arctic

 

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