Experience with a pier-supported building over permafrost

The construction of a two-story steel frame building over permafrost at Churchill, Manitoba, during 1948 to 1950 is described and its performance discussed in relation to the construction techniques used. Its apparent satisfactory performance after nine years of occupancy suggests that the concrete pier and spread footing foundation used can be a practicable alternative to embedded foundations for large heated structures in permafrost regions.Ce m\ue9moire d\ue9crit la construction d'un b\ue2timent de deux \ue9 tages \ue0 charpente d'acier sur un perg\ue9lisol, \ue0 Churchill ( Manitoba), de 1948 \ue0 1950. Les auteurs discutent la performance du b\ue2timent en fonction des techniques de construction utilis\ue9es. Comme cette performance para\ueet satisfaisante apr\ue8s neuf ans d'occupation, on pense que le pilier et l'empattement de b\ue9ton utilis\ue9s pour la fondation peuvent remplacer efficacement les fondations encastr\ue9es des grands immeubles chauff\ue9s, construits dans les r\ue9gions de perg\ue9lisol.Peer reviewed: NoNRC publication: Ye