Arctic Engineering
Arctic Engineers are trained to solve problems in cold regions. Arctic Engineering includes:
- Development of cold regions natural resources,
- Multi-modal transportation improvements in cold regions,
- Design and operation of constructed works in rural communities and winter cities, where snow, ice, and frozen ground constrain effectiveness of conventional methods, and
- Evaluation of climate change impacts on northern infrastructure.
For more information you could visit the Arctic Engineering Magazine archive of the Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District http://www.poa.usace.army.mil/PA/hottop/ArcticEngineersMag/index.htm The Alaska District is a full service district with three major programs: military construction, civil works development, and environmental cleanup/restoration activities.
The University of Washington College of Engineering has a short-course entitled Cold Regions Engineering. http://www.engr.washington.edu/epp/coldregions/index.html
This course is advertised to satisfy the arctic engineering course requirement for a professional license to practice architecture or engineering in the State of Alaska.
Course topics include:
- Descriptive and Geotechnical Aspects
- Arctic Hydrology
- Basics of Heat Transfer
- Snow Control around Structures
- Ice Growth on Water Surfaces
- Physical and Thermal Properties of Frozen Ground
- Ice Mechanics
- Water Supply, Treatment, and Storage
- Air Infiltration and Water Vapor Concerns
- Building Design Considerations
- Foundation Design
- Depth of Freeze and Thaw in Soils
- Water Storage and Distribution
- Snow Control
- Low Temperature Effects on Materials and Personnel
- Wastewater Treatment and Disposal
- Air Pollution and Solid Waste Management
