Sustainable Frost-Protected Foundation Solution in Subarctic Climate: A Case Study of Skellefteå

Abstract

This report focuses on sustainable foundation solutions for buildings in very cold places like subarctic climate, special in Skellefteå, Sweden. The research want find good ways to build foundations that not harm environment and stop temperature variation problems. It studies two main things: first, using special shallow foundation with insulation mat (XPS foam) to keep heat and block frost entering under building. Second, checking better time for construction to avoid worst freezing periods. The method uses computer model (PLAXIS 2D) to test how temperature change affect ground and foundation in one full year. Result show that foundation with insulation mat and construction period in March to August time is a better choice. However the study has limitations, which is that only use 2D model and not able to simulate real word condition, and test period is short term that unexpected weather change is not considered.