Temporary Protection of Cold Weather Construction

The literature of cold weather construction documents the importance of providing temporary protection of projects during the winter in northern regions. A survey of Alaskan contractors regarding the temperatures below which certain types of work cannot be performed confirms the need to provide heating and enclosures under such conditions. A case study of a typical Alaskan building construction project is described, with particular reference to the use of polyethylene sheeting, lumber, unit heaters, and a steam heating system to maintain temperatures at reasonable levels. A computer program for use in estimating the costs of temporary protection is presented, its use on a typical project is shown, and a successful program validation effort is summarized.