Library of climate resources

This standard establishes a consistent methodology for performing geotechnical site investigations so that the results can be used to design building foundations with due consideration, in a risk management framework, of the conditions prevailing at the building site, including: the distinctive characteristics of permafrost; and the seasonal and interannual climate conditions as well as the projected climate conditons over the service life of the building foundations.

This is the second edition of CSA PLUS 4011, Technical Guide: Infrastructure in permafrost: A guideline for climate change adaptation. It supersedes the previous edition published in 2010. Updates to the new edition are as follows: a) Current climate change projections recommended for use in northern Canada are presented (Chapter 4); b) Up-to-date information on ground temperature trends in permafrost throughout northern Canada are presented (Chapter 2); c) Permafrost conditions critical for infrastructure foundations have been summarized, revised, and consolidated into a single chapter (Chapter 2); d) Description and explanation of foundations used in northern Canada for buildings constructed on permafrost have been revised to improve readability (Chapter 3); e) Current trends in climate (temperature and precipitation) throughout the North are presented (Chapter 4); f) A range of climate projections available for northern Canada are presented graphically to allow assessment of current uncertainty in future climate projections (Chapter 4 and Annex C); g) Minor revisions to the screening process have been made for clarity (Chapter 5).

This standard specifically addresses the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of intermittent/seasonal discharge lagoon and wetland systems that are most appropriate for use in Northern regions, where effluent discharge is either difficult or not possible in colder months.