Report of test on the deterioration of former geological hut at Syowa Station

Abstract

In January 1957 the First Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition built a prefabricated living hut at Syowa Station, and this hut has been used as a laboratory for geological study, named Geology Hut. Because of aging of finishing and interior materials, the hut was dismantled in January 1981 and brought to Japan in April 1981. To investigate the deterioration of building materials, one floor panel and two wall panels were subjected to the following four tests and their strength was compared with the original strength : Bending test of panel; residual strength of adhesion used in wood lamination; strength test of panel core; test of heat conductivity and physical properties. Test results indicated no appreciable deterioration of building materials and these materials may still stand good for future use