230 Alaskan Science Conference 



Many precautions must be taken to make a conventional 

 water distribution system function in the permafrost region. 

 Kojinov (15) has shown how clay may be placed around a main 

 to protect it from freezing and he has also shown how location 

 of mains with respect to shade and snow cover play an im- 

 portant part in protection. The clay maintains moisture around 

 the pipe and thus frost penetration is retarded. Snow cover 

 insulates the surface of the ground over the pipes; and by 

 locating the pipes where they will receive maximum sunlight, 

 advantage is taken of all heat possible. Even by taking ad- 

 vantage of all heat available, it does not appear practical to use 

 conventional water distribution systems, except possibly in 

 parts of the permafrost region in which there exists a thawed 

 layer between the permafrost and the lower limit of seasonal 

 frost. 



Construction of Stable Structures and Use of Equipment 

 Suited to Low Temperature Conditions 



Construction of dams, foundations, buildings, well casings 

 and curbings, settling basins, treatment structures, and other 

 miscellaneous facilities must be designed to withstand or pre- 

 vent destructive frost action. Design and operation of all facili- 

 ties must provide for conservation of heat. The effects of tem- 

 perature and frost are mighty and sure. Exacting standards of 

 design and performance must be the rule for successful opera- 

 tion of Arctic water supply facilities. 



A dam design which is structurally stable on permanently 

 frozen ground must also remain stable after accumulation of 

 water behind it and resultant alteration of the thermal regime 

 of soil on which it stands. 



Foundations must be constructed in such a fashion as to 

 minimize the effects of freezing, heaving, thawing and shifting 

 of the soil. Insulation is necessary under certain conditions to 

 prevent heat from the structure from being conducted through 

 the foundation to the permafrost where it will change the 

 thermal regime of the permafrost. 



Heating and proper ventilation of buildings are especially 

 difficult under low temperature conditions. Figure 4 shows 



