Initial Permafrost Engineering Research In Alaska

Abstract

Past permafrost engineering research and projects can aid modern permafrost engineering. The knowledge base of lessons learned among engineers is important, especially between generations of engineers, so history does not repeat itself Uncovering the history of permafrost engineering, and its compilation, summarization, and analysis, is beneficial for the Alaskan engineering community. This master's thesis is devoted to the early years of permafrost engineering in Alaska with projects carried out from the Gold Rush era to shortly after WWII. The projects include: thawing technology developed by gold miners, Alaska Highway road design and construction with its influence, and early comprehensive research by the Permafrost Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' St. Paul District, particularly the development of the test site, the Fairbanks Research Area, along Farmers Loop Road. Each of these projects has been successfully adapted to modern practices, laying the foundation of permafrost engineering.