Arctic Construction Problems and Techniques

A new Arctic Research Laboratory is being constructed at the northernmost point in the United States, at Point Barrow, Alaska. The Northwest Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command designed the Laboratory and is administering the construction contract. The remoteness of the site, with the attendant high cost of construction and subsequent maintenance, requires that design stress simplicity and reliability. Special features imposed by the hostile environment include a pile foundation with a breezeway space, glue-laminated wood beam construction, pre-cut main framing members, a protected utility distribution system, a heated utility space, humidification equipment, a fire protection system, and a salt water sewage lagoon. Major construction problems are delivery of materials and procurement of skilled labor.