Thermal Design of Shallow Building Foundations in Permafrost Regions

This paper describes the general thermal design concept and considerations for the design of a heated, on-grade shallow building foundation on thaw-unstable ground in permafrost regions. Three kinds of foundation cooling systems are discussed. These include the thermosyphon system, ventilated duct system, and heat pump cooling system. Three examples of thermal foundations designs of shallow building foundations in northern Canada and Russia are presented. The major thermal analysis/design findings are summarized for each example.