PHOTOS: File0001 File0002 File0008 File0020 & File0036 (1960)
All materials, people, etc. had to be loaded at Sondrestrom (BW8) on the C130's (File0002 & File0020) and flown to Dye 2 on the ice cap (File0001 & File0008). Note the ski-equipped landing gears.
The transportation of people and materials was a big deal on this project. For example, the structural steel was fabricated in the U.S. by American Bridge, shipped to a sea port, loaded on a ship, sailed to BW8, unloaded from ship, loaded on a truck, hauled to a the contractors yard, unloaded, separated for Dye 2 and Dye3, loaded on pallets (size and weight had to meet the requirements of the aircraft), pallets loaded on a truck (File0036), pallets hauled to a C130, pallets loaded on the plane, aircraft flown to Dye2 and unloaded.
PHOTOS: File0011 File0012 & File0015 (1959)
File0003 File0005 File0006 File0007 File0021 File0041 File0042
& File0044 (1960)
These photos show the building at various stages of construction.
File0015 The main building columns are being erected.
The underground structure cannot be seen. The foundation consisted of a heavy timber mat founded on ice and a structural steel grillage founded approximately 30 feet below grade. The sixteen columns (8 pairs) shown in the photo, are supported on the grillage/timber mat. Each pair of columns is braced horizontally in both directions by a truss type framework. Note the horizontal frame around each pair of columns. Also note the sloping and vertical steel members framing into the bottom of the steel frame. The foundations and steelwork are protected by a timber enclosure. Note the exposed areas of the top of the timber enclosure.
Note the mechanism the crane is lowering between a pair of columns. It is part of the jacking system that could raise the building as new snow and ice accumulated at the top of the icecap. The system included sixteen 350 ton jacks.
File0011 The structural steel erection continues. Note the timber falsework in the foreground that are used to support the main trusses during erection.
Note the horizontal frame at each pair of columns and the sloping and vertical steel members framing into the bottom of the steel frame. Note the exposed areas of the top of the timber enclosure.
File0012 Heavy timber decking is being installed at the top level of the main building. Note the steel ring that will support the radome
File0006 April, the beginning of the 1960 construction season. The job was shut down during the winter. Note the accumulation of snow.
File0005 Note the excavation for the four underground P.O.L. storage tanks in the foreground. The tanks are under construction, note the crane boom projecting out of the excavation.
File0003 The lateral antenna enclosure structural steel is being erected. The main column extensions have been completed. Backfill has been placed around the four P.O.L. storage tanks. Note the corrugated metal pipe tunnel between the tanks.
File0007 The lateral antenna enclosures have been completed. Note the outbuilding on the right and the vents from P.O.L storage tanks in the foreground.
File0041 & File0042 The radome is under construction.
File0044 The outbuildings are compete.
File0021 November, the building is complete.
PHOTOS:File0018 File0034 File0035 & File0037 (1960)
These photos show the four P.O.L. storage tanks at various stages of construction.
File0035 Early stages of construction. Note that the tank's steel grillage is founded on a heavy timber mat.
File0018 Backfilling of the four P.O.L. storage tanks is about to begin.
File0037 A P.O.L. storage tank is being filled with fuel. Note the rubber bladders on the sled. Also note the dark area in the face of the excavation which was grade at the end of the 1959 construction season.
File0034 The corrugated metal pipe tunnel between the tanks is 50% complete.
File0010 File0016 & File0043(1960)
These photos give an idea of life at the Dye 2 site during the construction phase. The construction workers worked 10 hours a day 7 days a week.
File0010 The temporary camp. This photo was taken from the top deck of the main building (File0012).
File0016 During the summer it was necessary to haul snow into the camp.
File0043 Looking out the door of a Jamesway hut after a heavy snow.
