The results of a six-year field test program conducted near Fairbanks, AK, to investigate the reduction in frost heave obtained by applying a surcharge stress on the soil are presented. Seasonal heaves of 25-ft-square test sections with nominal surcharge loads of 2, 4, 6, and 8 psi were compared with heaves at adjacent unloaded sections. The test sections were on a silt soil in an area where permafrost existed at about a seven-ft depth. Results showed that only a small surcharge load was needed to cause significant reductions in heave. Data are included that indicate that heave reduction was achieved by minimizing groundwater migration. A method for correlating field and laboratory rate-of-heave data is suggested. (Author).

Introductory technical guidance for civil engineers and other professional engineers and construction managers interested in design and construction of foundations for buildings and other infrastructure in the arctic. Here is what is discussed: 1. THERMAL EFFECTS, 2. SEASONAL FROST HEAVE AND SETTLEMENT, 3. GROUNDWATER, 4. EFFECT OF SURCHARGE, 5. FOUNDATION MATERIALS, 6. STRUCTURAL MATERIALS.

The results of a six-year field test program conducted near Fairbanks, AK, to investigate the reduction in frost heave obtained by applying a surcharge stress on the soil are presented. Seasonal heaves of 25-ft-square test sections with nominal surcharge loads of 2, 4, 6, and 8 psi were compared with heaves at adjacent unloaded sections. The test sections were on a silt soil in an area where permafrost existed at about a seven-ft depth. Results showed that only a small surcharge load was needed to cause significant reductions in heave. Data are included that indicate that heave reduction was achieved by minimizing groundwater migration. A method for correlating field and laboratory rate-of-heave data is suggested. (Author).

Introductory technical guidance for civil, structural and geotechnical engineers interested in design and construction of foundations for buildings and other infrastructure in arctic regions. Here is what is discussed: 1. THERMAL EFFECTS 2. SEASONAL FROST HEAVE AND SETTLEMENT 3. GROUNDWATER 4. EFFECT OF SURCHARGE 5. FOUNDATION MATERIALS 6. STRUCTURAL MATERIALS.