In the remote tundra of Kotzebue, Alaska, where the ground is as unforgiving as the weather, a specialized crew tackled a critical foundation challenge: installing thermo-syphon piles to preserve the permafrost beneath a major infrastructure project. The mission? Stabilize the sub-grade in a region where thawing permafrost will jeopardize the integrity of the entire structure. 

Permafrost isn't just frozen dirt; it's the foundation of life in the Arctic. But when disturbed or warmed, it can become unstable, leading to catastrophic settlement. To combat this, engineers specified thermo-helix piles: passive, structural, two-phase refrigeration devices that draw heat from the ground and release it to the air, keeping the soil frozen year-round. 

Installing these piles requires precision, speed, and equipment that can handle the extreme, and that's where the ICE® 14C vibratory hammer came in. To get this project started, the chosen contractor crew mobilized the compact yet powerful ICE® 14C, a vibratory hammer known for its reliability in remote and rugged environments. Mounted on a crane and paired with a custom clamp, the 14C was used to drive temporary steel casing into the frozen ground. This casing allowed the team to install the thermo-helix piles vertically and with minimal ground disturbance, a critical factor in preserving the surrounding permafrost. 

Despite subzero temperatures and variable soil conditions, the ICE® 14C delivered consistent performance. Its lightweight design made it ideal for the remote site, where logistics are tight and every pound counts. The hammer's ability to switch between pile types also gave the crew flexibility as they transitioned from casing to final pile installation. 

Once the casing was in place, the team inserted the passive two-phase thermo-helix piles, which are sealed tubes containing only refrigerant liquid and vapor. These thermo-syphons operate without electricity, using the natural temperature gradient between the ground and air to circulate the refrigerant. As the air cools the top portion of the thermo-helix pile, the vapor inside condenses on the cold pipe wall, releasing heat to the air. This condensation reduces the pressure inside the pile, and the liquid boils in the bottom of the pile, absorbing heat from the ground. Condensation then runs down the inner wall of the pile and re-evaporates when it reaches any surface warmer than it is.  Through the winter when the air is colder than the ground, the cycle continues, stopping when the air warms up in the spring. Interestingly, the technique only removes heat against gravity and cannot operate in reverse, resulting in a self-sustaining system that keeps the ground frozen year after year. 

To ensure smooth hydraulic operation in the cold, the crew relied on the Hydrauli-Flex™ hose assemblies, which maintained flexibility and pressure integrity even in Arctic conditions. These hoses were critical in keeping the ICE® 14C running efficiently throughout the job. 

This successful installation was led by Drake Construction, a Kotzebue-based general contractor with more than 40 years of experience serving Western Alaska. Drake has built a reputation for tackling projects in some of the most remote and challenging environments, with expertise spanning civil construction, underground utilities, marine services, and pile foundations. Special recognition goes to Mike Cain, VP of Operations, and Mike Peters, Project Manager, whose leadership and coordination ensured the crew's efficiency and safety throughout the demanding work. Their ability to manage logistics and guide the team under harsh conditions was instrumental in completing the job on schedule. 

International Construction Equipment, Inc. extends its sincere gratitude to Drake Construction, their leadership team, and the field crews who trust our equipment in the most demanding environments on Earth. The success of this project in Kotzebue is a testament to the durability of the ICE® 14C and the skill of the crews who operate it. Amazing work to all involved, ICE® is thrilled to be part of the solution. 

Learn more about the ICE® 14 

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Media Contact-        
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA      
Vice President   
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc      
The Hose Company   
Office - 704-821-8200   
Email - marketing@iceusa.com / info@hydraulichose.com