Thermal Performance Verification of Thermal Vertical Support Members for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline

Extensive soil temperature measurements have been taken for more than two years in a field test designed to monitor the performance of thermal vertical support members used to support elevated sections of the trans-Alaska pipeline as it crosses marginal permafrost. Thermal aspects of the design are summarized and soil temperature data are presented which demonstrate the ability of the overall thermal vertical support member system to protect the surrounding permafrost.