Observations of Structurally Enhanced and Adjustable Foundations, Fairbanks Area, Alaska

摘要

One commercial building and three residential buildings, each with enhanced shallow foundations constructed over perennially frozen coarse-grained soils, were selected as case studies demonstrating current experience with typical thaw-strain analysis of frozen sands and gravels and current methods used in Fairbanks, Alaska to reduce problems associated with thawing coarse-grained soils. Some typical foundations in use for between 7 to 13 years were re-examined and the owners were interviewed. Actual thaw-settlement and related movement was estimated in each case and a history of maintenance was obtained. This information is presented to enhance the understanding of the thaw settlement behavior of frozen granular soils and to advance the practical application of cold regions geotechnical engineering.