Frost and Ice Formation in the Air Convection Pile Permafrost Protection Device

Experimental studies on frost and ice growth under simulated summer conditions were performed on a 3.0-m (10-ft) model of an air convection pile. The air convection pile is a thermosyphon-type permafrost protection device which has been considered for use in arctic construction projects. The device consists of an outer tube, usually 45.75 cm (18 in.) in diameter, extending 3.05 to 18.3 m (10 to 60 ft) into the permafrost. This outer tube contains a shorter concentric 25.4-cm- (10-in.) dia inner tube. Data was taken for typical arctic temperatures and humidities and for simulated above-ground heights of 0.153, 1.373, and 2.88 m (0.5, 4.5, and 7.5 ft). The results have shown that the ice growth is governed by the concentration gradient in the annulus of the pile.