CHAPTER I!, SECTION 1
was critical at this time and represented the
governing element in the completion of the de
sign program. The final completion of design
for the DOD program was complicated by the
long period of time that ensued from the mailing of preliminary drawings until receipt of their
approval. However, very satisfactory progress
was made in January 1956, and by the middle
of February 1956, the design of scientific sta-
tions was practically completed. By the first
of March 1956, all drawings which had not been
tolerances of critical structures; effects of
wave action and preventive measures against
inundation; special blast doors; and particularly,
interpretation of mode of blast loading under
various circumstances, which frequently result-
ed in the requirement of heavy blast resistant
walls and earth covers.
The electrical problems included providing
dependable power supply at remote installations
capable of a continuous unattended operation,
approved by the J-6 Division of LASL had
been forwarded to Jobsite for review and ap-
with precise voltage regulation for instrument
power; shielding instrument rooms against
Ground. Authorization for construction in such
and records; and providing signal and telephone
proval by the J-6 representative in the Proving
cases was obtained from the Manager, Eniwetok
Branch Office, and signed reproducibles were
forwarded to the Home Office for distribution.
All original tracings of scientific facilities were
forwarded to Jobsite so that revisions and “asbuilt” changes could be made directly thereon
by the field forces.
The major structural problems encountered
in the design of the scientific stations were
concerned with settlements and movement
transient currents to ensure accurate readings
distribution networks, both submarine and sub-
terrainian, for the coordinated timing of ali de-
vices and equipment associated with an event,
and for reliable communication systems.
Mechanical problems included furnishing
facilities for the removal of heat generated by
scientific equipment in areas with imbherently
impaired circulation; humidity control; air conditioning; blast protection through self-latching
devices for exterior openings; quick closing
shutters actuated by explosive or electrical
releases; precise alignment and tight vacuum retention of pipe arrays: pressure water systems
to maintain water supplies for an extended
period; hydraulically actuated opening devices
and snubbers; high pressure air and fuel
systems; tower elevators, elevator hoists and
trailers for portable elevator hoists; ventilation
for the removal of fumes and explosive vapors;
and expendable and nonexpendable equipment.
The major Civil Engineering problems primarily consisted of those connected with close
location tolerances, the over-ail relation of sta-
tion positions with each other, the extension of
the primary triangulation net and soil stabilization,
A concept of the size of the engineering
effort is conveyed in the following record of
drawings and sketches issued: civil - 110; architectural - 136; electrical - 407; mechanical 241; structural - 631.
When the design of scientific stations was
first authorized in March 1955, a total of ten
men from the Home Office base engineering
staff were employed on the Proving Ground
Project. Personnel were added as the work load
increased and during the peak of activity there
were 78 men assigned to this work. During the
peak of activity, it was necessary to place this
engineering staff on a 50-hour week; in a few
instances, it became necessary to place part of
the staff on a 58-hour week. Due to the rela-
tively short peak load period and because of the
serious
shortage
of
engineering
personne}
throughout the country, it was impracticable
to recruit
clear and hire additional personnel
to eliminate the overtime involved.
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