Bending strength tests of wooden panels of the old living hut built in 1969 at Syowa Station, Antarctica

Abstract

The old living hut was built by the 10th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-10) in 1969. Since then, it had been used continuously at Syowa Station in Antarctica. In 1998, the living hut was taken apart, which were taken back to Japan. To estimate the durability of the prefabricated wooden structural elements, namely, roof panels, wall panels and floor panels, the bending strength of the elements was tested. Structural performances of these elements were decreased little by little. Deterioration of the surface of the panels was marked on the outside part of the elements. The required strength of the elements for the structural design was adequate, although the strength was decreased as a whole. It was found that surface protection of the structural wooden panel from erosion is most important to preserve the structural performance.