Review of Current Practice of Building Foundations in the Canadian North

Abstract

The Canadian North is experiencing several building engineering problems which must be addressed now to avoid worsening problems in the future. The permafrost layer is retreating downward in the Canadian North. This is resulting in many unstable homes in the 14 villages of Quebec’s Nunavik. Current tripod adjustable footings, while the most popular, are not the way of the future. Several other methods such as concrete footings on bedrock, or on deep permafrost, exist. When bedrock is very deep, steel piles represent a good way to stabilize buildings. Some cases require add freeze piles when bedrock is too deep to reach economically. Lattice truss systems on tripod footings have also been used. This report explores the most prominent solutions of the future and reinforces which methods are believed to best perform going forward.