Design and Construction ofDesign and Construction ofDesign and Construction of Infrastructure in Cold Regions

Design and Construction of Infrastructure in Cold Regions

James BuskaJames Buska

Engineer Research and Development CenterCold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory

Engineer Research and Development CenterCold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratoryg g g y

Hanover, New Hampshire, USAg g g y

Hanover, New Hampshire, USA

Engineer Research and Development CenterUS Army Corpsof Engineers

Cold Regions InfrastructureCold Regions InfrastructureInnovative cold regions solutions for design construction operationInnovative cold regions solutions for design construction operation

Dining Facility Ft Drum NY

Innovative cold regions solutions for design, construction, operation and maintenance of standard and strategic facilities world-wide.Key issues include:

Innovative cold regions solutions for design, construction, operation and maintenance of standard and strategic facilities world-wide.Key issues include:

Strategic national defense facilities are Strategic national defense facilities are Strategic national defense facilities are Strategic national defense facilities are

Shallow Utilidors at Eielson Air Force Base

Dining Facility, Ft. Drum, NYggoften located in cold and remote often located in cold and remote locationslocations

Army Transformation infrastructure must Army Transformation infrastructure must support all weather, all season operationssupport all weather, all season operations

ggoften located in cold and remote often located in cold and remote locationslocations

Army Transformation infrastructure must Army Transformation infrastructure must support all weather, all season operationssupport all weather, all season operations

Many facilities are unique Many facilities are unique -- performance performance criteria must be adapted to provide high criteria must be adapted to provide high reliabilityreliability

Cold regions requirements can add Cold regions requirements can add significant cost penalties to build andsignificant cost penalties to build and

Many facilities are unique Many facilities are unique -- performance performance criteria must be adapted to provide high criteria must be adapted to provide high reliabilityreliability

Cold regions requirements can add Cold regions requirements can add significant cost penalties to build andsignificant cost penalties to build and

South Pole Station, Antarcticasignificant cost penalties to build and significant cost penalties to build and sustain facilitiessustain facilitiessignificant cost penalties to build and significant cost penalties to build and sustain facilitiessustain facilities

Thermal Analysis of BassettHospital AlaskaHospital, Alaska

Thule, Greenland Airfield Overlay

Missile Defense Silo Test

Research engineers with cold regions facilities experience in building envelopes, roofs, Research engineers with cold regions facilities experience in building envelopes, roofs, Cold Climate Infrastructure ExpertiseCold Climate Infrastructure Expertise

foundations, utilities and pavementsfoundations, utilities and pavements Expertise that combines research and practice to develop innovative solutions to Expertise that combines research and practice to develop innovative solutions to

infrastructure problems in cold environmentsinfrastructure problems in cold environments Unique capabilities sought by government and industry for solutions to facility challengesUnique capabilities sought by government and industry for solutions to facility challenges Unique capabilities sought by government and industry for solutions to facility challengesUnique capabilities sought by government and industry for solutions to facility challenges Design, constructability, and operability reviews Design, constructability, and operability reviews Cold climate design, construction, and operation often extends beyond the experience base Cold climate design, construction, and operation often extends beyond the experience base

of the private sectorof the private sector Troubleshooting during and after constructionTroubleshooting during and after construction Challenges:Challenges:

How to include cold climate considerations in facility design criteria and standard How to include cold climate considerations in facility design criteria and standard d id idesignsdesigns

How to incorporate our knowledge and expertise into the Army MILCON Transformation How to incorporate our knowledge and expertise into the Army MILCON Transformation processprocess

Cold Regions Conditions and IssuesCold Regions Conditions and IssuesCold Regions Conditions and IssuesCold Regions Conditions and Issues

Extreme Temperature Ranges Extreme Temperature Ranges Extreme Temperature Ranges Extended Darkness/Daylight Permafrost/Seasonally Frozen Ground

Extreme Temperature Ranges Extended Darkness/Daylight Permafrost/Seasonally Frozen GroundPermafrost/Seasonally Frozen Ground Fragile Environment Short Summer Work Season

Permafrost/Seasonally Frozen Ground Fragile Environment Short Summer Work Season Remote Sites Limited Logistics Infrastructure Remote Sites Limited Logistics Infrastructure Construction Mobilization/Demobilization Potential for Interior Moisture Problems Snow and Ice

Construction Mobilization/Demobilization Potential for Interior Moisture Problems Snow and Ice Snow and Ice Snow and Ice

Building Envelope ComponentsBuilding Envelope Componentsu d g e ope Co po e tsu d g e ope Co po e ts

Roofing Systems Roofing Systems Attics and Cathedral Ceilings Ceilings and Skylights Attics and Cathedral Ceilings Ceilings and Skylights Walls, Windows, and Doors Air Barrier System Vapor Retarder or Vapor Barrier

Walls, Windows, and Doors Air Barrier System Vapor Retarder or Vapor Barrier Vapor Retarder or Vapor Barrier Floors and Basements Other Building Components

Vapor Retarder or Vapor Barrier Floors and Basements Other Building ComponentsOther Building ComponentsOther Building Components

This presentation will discuss lessons learned during field and This presentation will discuss lessons learned during field and This presentation will discuss lessons learned during field and This presentation will discuss lessons learned during field and laboratory studies for some of these building envelope components.laboratory studies for some of these building envelope components.laboratory studies for some of these building envelope components.laboratory studies for some of these building envelope components.

ROOF DRAINAGEROOF DRAINAGE

Most steep roofs drain over their eaves. Some low-slope roofs also drain to eaves Most steep roofs drain over their eaves. Some low-slope roofs also drain to eaves Some low-slope roofs also drain to eaves. Other low-slope roofs drain internally. Some low-slope roofs also drain to eaves. Other low-slope roofs drain internally.

OverOver--thethe--eaves drainage in cold eaves drainage in cold OverOver--thethe--eaves drainage in cold eaves drainage in cold ggclimates can be problematic.climates can be problematic.

ggclimates can be problematic.climates can be problematic.

Lesson Lesson LearnedLearnedLearnedLearned

Complex Roofing SystemsComplex Roofing SystemsComplex Roofing SystemsComplex Roofing Systems

Ambulatory Health Care CenterMcGuire AFB, NJ

Ambulatory Health Care CenterMcGuire AFB, NJ

The facility has experienced roof leaks since its initial occupancy, even during warm weather In winter problematic ice dams formed at the eaves of the sloped metal roofsThe facility has experienced roof leaks since its initial occupancy, even during warm weather In winter problematic ice dams formed at the eaves of the sloped metal roofsweather. In winter, problematic ice dams formed at the eaves of the sloped metal roofs and snow ingestion through ventilation louvers resulted in more leakage problems.weather. In winter, problematic ice dams formed at the eaves of the sloped metal roofs and snow ingestion through ventilation louvers resulted in more leakage problems.

Problematic ice dams and icingsProblematic ice dams and icings Interior wall wetting under the ice damsInterior wall wetting under the ice dams

Lessons Lessons Learned the Learned the Hard WayHard Way

Melt water flowing out under an Melt water flowing out under an gice dam that has been removed

gice dam that has been removed

Snow ingestion problems d til ti it

Snow ingestion problems d til ti itunder a ventilation monitorunder a ventilation monitor

Over-the-Eaves Drainage ProblemsOver-the-Eaves Drainage Problemsgg

Lesson Lesson LearnedLearned

Creeping, sliding, and falling snow and ice should be Creeping, sliding, and falling snow and ice should be anticipated from roofs that drain to cold eaves.anticipated from roofs that drain to cold eaves.

Creeping, sliding, and falling snow and ice should be Creeping, sliding, and falling snow and ice should be anticipated from roofs that drain to cold eaves.anticipated from roofs that drain to cold eaves.

Ice Dams at Cold EavesIce Dams at Cold Eaves

This large ice dam caused thisThis large ice dam caused thisThis large ice dam caused thisThis large ice dam caused thisLesson Lesson

This large ice dam caused this This large ice dam caused this metal roof to leak at its eaves.metal roof to leak at its eaves.This large ice dam caused this This large ice dam caused this metal roof to leak at its eaves.metal roof to leak at its eaves.

LearnedLearned

Puddle of Puddle of MeltwaterMeltwaterPuddle of Puddle of MeltwaterMeltwaterMeltwater Meltwater Behind Ice Behind Ice

Dam at EavesDam at Eaves

Meltwater Meltwater Behind Ice Behind Ice

Dam at EavesDam at Eaves

Internally Drained Low-SlopeInternally Drained Low-SlopeInternally Drained Low Slope Roofing Systems

Internally Drained Low Slope Roofing Systems

In cold climates, internally drained low slope roofing systems have an

In cold climates, internally drained low slope roofing systems have anlow-slope roofing systems have an important advantage over systems that drain to cold eaves

low-slope roofing systems have an important advantage over systems that drain to cold eavesthat drain to cold eaves.

They avoid all over-the-eaves that drain to cold eaves.

They avoid all over-the-eaves ydrainage problems.

ydrainage problems.

Lesson Lesson L dL dLearnedLearned

Two identically constructed roofsTwo identically constructed roofsTwo identically constructed roofs.The building on the right, with no icings, was unheated.

Two identically constructed roofs.The building on the right, with no icings, was unheated.

LessonLessonLesson Lesson LearnedLearned

BUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDING HEAT

BUILDING HEATHEATHEAT

THE SUNTHE SUN

ICICLES AND ICE DAMSICICLES AND ICE DAMS

S bl ti i i d i dS bl ti i i d i dS bl ti i i d i dS bl ti i i d i dSevere problematic icings and ice dams Severe problematic icings and ice dams developed all along the eaves of this facility.developed all along the eaves of this facility.

Severe problematic icings and ice dams Severe problematic icings and ice dams developed all along the eaves of this facility.developed all along the eaves of this facility.

Two dining facilities at Fort Drum, NY on the same date (Jan. 12, 1994).Two dining facilities at Fort Drum, NY on the same date (Jan. 12, 1994).

The unmodified The unmodified building is subjected building is subjected to severe icings allto severe icings all

The unmodified The unmodified building is subjected building is subjected to severe icings allto severe icings allto severe icings all to severe icings all along its eavesalong its eavesto severe icings all to severe icings all along its eavesalong its eaves

There are only a few There are only a few There are only a few There are only a few small icicles at the base small icicles at the base

of the valleys of the of the valleys of the building with improved building with improved

attic entilationattic entilation

small icicles at the base small icicles at the base of the valleys of the of the valleys of the

building with improved building with improved attic entilationattic entilationattic ventilationattic ventilationattic ventilationattic ventilation

LessonLessonLesson Lesson LearnedLearned

AIR AIR EXFILTRATIONEXFILTRATIONEXFILTRATION

VAPOR DIFFUSION

EXFILTRATIONVAPOR DIFFUSIONVAPOR DIFFUSIONVAPOR DIFFUSION

Lessons Lessons LearnedLearned Roof VentilationRoof Ventilation

Roof ventilation coupled with additional insulation and reductions in air exfiltration can eliminate chronic i i l h f f i ld li

Roof ventilation coupled with additional insulation and reductions in air exfiltration can eliminate chronic i i l h f f i ld liicings along the eaves of roofs in cold climates.

Attention must be given to minimizing exfiltration of i t i d i i t tti d th d l

icings along the eaves of roofs in cold climates.

Attention must be given to minimizing exfiltration of i t i d i i t tti d th d lwarm, moist indoor air up into attics and cathedral

ceiling airways.

Heat losses from all so rces s ch as arm HVAC

warm, moist indoor air up into attics and cathedral ceiling airways.

Heat losses from all so rces s ch as arm HVAC Heat losses from all sources such as warm HVAC equipment located in attics must be considered when sizing roof ventilation systems.

Heat losses from all sources such as warm HVAC equipment located in attics must be considered when sizing roof ventilation systems.

EnvironmentalD i C it iEnvironmentalD i C it iDesign CriteriaDesign Criteria

Northeast Portion of ground snow load map in ASCE Standard 7map in ASCE Standard 7 Ground snow loads, pg are presented in lb/ft2

ASCE Standard 7ASCE Standard 7Minimum Design Loads for Minimum Design Loads for

Buildings and other StructuresBuildings and other Structures

ASCE Standard 7ASCE Standard 7Minimum Design Loads for Minimum Design Loads for

Buildings and other StructuresBuildings and other Structures

SNOW DRIFTINGSNOW DRIFTING

Snow will drift into areas of Snow will drift into areas of Aerodynamic ShadeAerodynamic Shade

Snow will drift into areas of Snow will drift into areas of Aerodynamic ShadeAerodynamic ShadeLesson Lesson LearnedLearnedLearnedLearned

15 lb/ft2

130 lb/ft2130 lb/ft2

20 lb/ft220 lb/ft2

The peak snow load of this drift was 130 lb/ftThe peak snow load of this drift was 130 lb/ft22..The ground snow load at the time was 20 lb/ftThe ground snow load at the time was 20 lb/ft22 andand

The peak snow load of this drift was 130 lb/ftThe peak snow load of this drift was 130 lb/ft22..The ground snow load at the time was 20 lb/ftThe ground snow load at the time was 20 lb/ft22 andandThe ground snow load at the time was 20 lb/ftThe ground snow load at the time was 20 lb/ft , and , and

the snow load on the upper roof was 15 lb/ftthe snow load on the upper roof was 15 lb/ft22..The ground snow load at the time was 20 lb/ftThe ground snow load at the time was 20 lb/ft , and , and

the snow load on the upper roof was 15 lb/ftthe snow load on the upper roof was 15 lb/ft22..

Removing Snow and Ice from Roofs

Removing Snow and Ice from Roofs

Lessons Lessons Learned the Learned the Hard WayHard WayHard WayHard Way

SLIDING SNOWSLIDING SNOW

Photo by Rick Flood, Ian Mackinlay Architecture

The ability of slippery unobstructed roofs to shed snow The ability of slippery unobstructed roofs to shed snow loads by sliding can be an advantage and a disadvantage.loads by sliding can be an advantage and a disadvantage.

The ability of slippery unobstructed roofs to shed snow The ability of slippery unobstructed roofs to shed snow loads by sliding can be an advantage and a disadvantage.loads by sliding can be an advantage and a disadvantage.

Sliding Snow and Iceand Ice

Plumbing Vents

Plumbing Vents

Equipment and PeopleEquipment and PeopleEquipment and People on the Ground Below

Equipment and People on the Ground Below

Lightning ProtectionLightning Protection

Entrances and

Entrances andand

Hazards Below

and Hazards Below

Sliding Snow IssuesSliding Snow Issues

Lesson LearnedLesson LearnedLesson Learned Lesson Learned the Hard Waythe Hard Way

Vehicle damaged by snow Vehicle damaged by snow Vehicle damaged by snow Vehicle damaged by snow g yg yand ice that fell from a roofand ice that fell from a roof

g yg yand ice that fell from a roofand ice that fell from a roof

Interior Moisture ProblemsInterior Moisture ProblemsComposite Medical Facility

Elmendorf AFB, AlaskaComposite Medical Facility

Elmendorf AFB, Alaska

Severe condensation d f t i d

Severe condensation d f t i d

Heavy frost on entry doors

Heavy frost on entry doors

and frost on windowsand frost on windows

yy

Field Investigations and Thermal ModelingField Investigations and Thermal Modeling

Min. Max. 49.5 63.6

63.649.5

*>64.0F

60 0

Infrared Thermogram

Infrared Thermogram

High heat lossHigh heat loss

49.5

45 0

50.0

55.0

60.0

63.649.5*

DesignDesignDesignDesign $178 million, 269,000 sq. ft. medical facility Participated in design reviews 1998 - 2000 Applied our lessons learned and cold climate

$178 million, 269,000 sq. ft. medical facility Participated in design reviews 1998 - 2000 Applied our lessons learned and cold climate

New Bassett HospitalNew Bassett HospitalConstructionConstruction

Applied our lessons learned and cold climate expertise to help designers avoid interior moisture problems

Applied our lessons learned and cold climate expertise to help designers avoid interior moisture problems

New Bassett HospitalFort Wainwright, Alaska

New Bassett HospitalFort Wainwright, AlaskaConstructionConstruction

May 2002 to June 2006 Infrared survey of the facility conducted in

March 2006

May 2002 to June 2006 Infrared survey of the facility conducted in

March 2006March 2006 The purpose of the survey was to determine if

there were any building envelope problems Survey results were quite good, with only a

few heat loss problems related to

March 2006 The purpose of the survey was to determine if

there were any building envelope problems Survey results were quite good, with only a

few heat loss problems related tofew heat loss problems related to construction still in progress

Some minor problems were identified and targeted for resolution before completion of construction

few heat loss problems related to construction still in progress

Some minor problems were identified and targeted for resolution before completion of construction

Infrared SurveyInfrared SurveyInfrared SurveyInfrared Survey

Engineering Solutions for DoD Engineering Solutions for DoD US Army Corps Facilities in Cold ClimatesFacilities in Cold Climates

Cl R d U dCl R d U d Cl R d U dCl R d U d

US Army Corpsof Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center

Clear Radar UpgradeClear Radar Upgrade Missile Defense ProgramMissile Defense Program Cold Climate Design Guidance Cold Climate Design Guidance

for Criteria and Standards for Criteria and Standards

Clear Radar UpgradeClear Radar Upgrade Missile Defense ProgramMissile Defense Program Cold Climate Design Guidance Cold Climate Design Guidance

for Criteria and Standards for Criteria and Standards Facility Designs:Facility Designs:

BarracksBarracks Brigade and Battalion Brigade and Battalion

HeadquartersHeadquarters

Facility Designs:Facility Designs: BarracksBarracks Brigade and Battalion Brigade and Battalion

HeadquartersHeadquarters Brigade Combat Team Facilities Brigade Combat Team Facilities Child Development CentersChild Development Centers Company Operation FacilityCompany Operation Facility Dental ClinicsDental Clinics Dining FacilitiesDining Facilities

Brigade Combat Team Facilities Brigade Combat Team Facilities Child Development CentersChild Development Centers Company Operation FacilityCompany Operation Facility Dental ClinicsDental Clinics Dining FacilitiesDining FacilitiesDining FacilitiesDining Facilities Family HousingFamily Housing Medical FacilitiesMedical Facilities Military Entrance Processing Military Entrance Processing

StationsStations

Dining FacilitiesDining Facilities Family HousingFamily Housing Medical FacilitiesMedical Facilities Military Entrance Processing Military Entrance Processing

StationsStations Tactical Equipment Maintenance Tactical Equipment Maintenance

FacilitiesFacilities and Other Facilitiesand Other Facilities

Tactical Equipment Maintenance Tactical Equipment Maintenance FacilitiesFacilities

and Other Facilitiesand Other Facilities

SSLessons Lessons SummarySummaryLearnedLearned Problems can be avoided and more functional designs

developed when snow and ice issues are considered as the design of a building evolves.

Problems can be avoided and more functional designs developed when snow and ice issues are considered as the design of a building evolves.

With a little thought during the design phase, the adverse effects of snow drifting on roofs can be minimized.

Low-slope roofs that drain to cold eaves are particularly

With a little thought during the design phase, the adverse effects of snow drifting on roofs can be minimized.

Low-slope roofs that drain to cold eaves are particularly problematic in cold climates.

It is better to drain low-slope roofs internally, since that avoids all of the over-the-eaves drainage problems.

problematic in cold climates. It is better to drain low-slope roofs internally, since that

avoids all of the over-the-eaves drainage problems. Roofs that drain to cold eaves can encounter snow and ice

related problems in cold climates. Icings at eaves are minimized when roofs are well

Roofs that drain to cold eaves can encounter snow and ice related problems in cold climates.

Icings at eaves are minimized when roofs are well Icings at eaves are minimized when roofs are well insulated and ventilated.

Icings at eaves are minimized when roofs are well insulated and ventilated.

LessonsLessonsMinimizing the Adverse Effects

f S d I R fMinimizing the Adverse Effects

f S d I R f DesignDesignLessons Lessons LearnedLearned

Attic Ventilation Guidelines to Attic Ventilation Guidelines to

of Snow and Ice on Roofsof Snow and Ice on Roofs Design Design GuidanceGuidance

Minimize Icings at EavesMinimize Icings at Eaves

Ventilating Cathedral Ceilings to Prevent Ventilating Cathedral Ceilings to Prevent g gProblematic Icings at Their Eaves

g gProblematic Icings at Their Eaves

G id li f V til ti Atti d C th d lG id li f V til ti Atti d C th d lGuidelines for Ventilating Attics and Cathedral Ceilings to Avoid Icings at Their Eaves

Guidelines for Ventilating Attics and Cathedral Ceilings to Avoid Icings at Their Eaves

Snow Guards for Metal RoofsSnow Guards for Metal Roofs

Sliding Snow CalculatorSliding Snow Calculator

http://www.crrel.usace.army.mil/library/cat_structures.htmlhttp://www.crrel.usace.army.mil/library/cat_structures.html

Sliding Snow CalculatorSliding Snow Calculator

James BuskaResearch Civil Engineer

Tel: (603) 646-4588, Fax: (603) 646-4640Email: James.S.Buska@usace.army.mil

Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory

Engineer Research and Development CenterUS Army Corpsof Engineers

Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory72 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755-1290