scope:

Purpose

While both the 2010 and 2019 versions of CSA PLUS 4011 provide discussions on foundations in permafrost, this Guideline is intended to provide more detailed technical information on the attributes of the various foundation systems, selection criteria, ground conditions, and related issues.

This Guideline is a companion document to CSA PLUS 4011. The CSA Subcommittee made a deliberate decision not to include equations, formulas, and design guidelines in this document. It is not a design manual - it is informative. This Guideline is intended to assist developers, designers, the general public, and other stakeholders understand the permafrost terrain of Canada, as well as the general selection process and choices for permafrost foundations and their limitations.