Case Studies

Halley V Antarctic Research Centre

Sectors: Structural
Applications: Structural Connections

Summary: Lindapter Girder Clamps were used to construct the jack up platforms for the main accommodation building at the Halley V Research Centre, Antarctica.

The Laws building sits on a platform with extendable steel legs; each year the building is jacked up to keep it above the accumulated snow level.

The Halley V project started in January 1989, with the engineers requiring a method of connecting the structural steelwork in the hostile Antarctic environment and a solution that would withstand the severe conditions for up to 20 years (the anticipated maximum lifecycle of the Centre).

Drilling or welding would have been incredibly difficult, if not impossible in the sub-zero temperatures (-10º to -50ºC) and blizzards; consequently Lindapter was approached to design a connection that could be easily installed and would endure such environmental circumstances. Following successful testing Lindapter Girder Clamps were specified utilising blackheart malleable iron Type A and Type B fixings. The fixings were cast in blackheart as a result of the iron’s significant tolerance to low temperatures (-50 ºC). Due to the inhospitable setting, wearing bulky gloves was essential at the point of installation so the clamps were designed to make assembly as simple as possible and supplied part-assembled to minimise work onsite.

The structural steelwork was successfully secured to the frame with Girder Clamps, forming a cross-girder base to support the accommodation block. Over 20 years later, the building remains operational with Lindapter’s clamping system surpassing the British Antarctic Survey’s expectations. Due to the expected completion of Halley VI the current Halley V station is scheduled to be dismantled and recycled in South Africa in 2010.