Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Ground Freezing Experts in Anchorage
Arctic Foundations has been a global leader in passive ground freezing technology for over 40 years. Our proprietary systems analyze, design, and install heat transfer solutions that strengthen soils, control water movement, and immobilize hazardous contaminants in permafrost regions. With expertise dating to the 1950s when our founder Erv Long developed the original Thermopile system, we deliver long-term geotechnical solutions that outlast the structures they support. Our ASME-certified fabrication shop produces corrosion-resistant Thermopiles and Thermoprobes using advanced aluminum metalizing and fusion-bond epoxy coatings.Backed by decades of operational experience and continuous innovation, we provide cost-effective systems with lower life-cycle costs than competitors. Our engineers actively monitor advancements in refrigeration, data instrumentation, and computer technology to refine our solutions. Recognized through industry awards and professional society memberships, we maintain leadership in cold regions engineering while addressing modern challenges like climate change impacts on frozen ground stability.
Services
Thermopiles
Thermoprobes
Hybrid Thermosyphons
Permafrost Stabilization
Hazardous Waste Containment
Frost-Proof Benchmarks
Controlled Thawing
Landslide Stabilization
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- 40+ years pioneering passive ground freezing technology
- ASME-certified fabrication shop for thermosyphon systems
- Corrosion-resistant coatings with 30+ year durability
- Continuous innovation through cross-industry technology integration
- Award-winning engineers with 70+ combined years of experience
Associations and certifications
- ASME
- ASCE
- ASTM
- SME
- NSPE
Services
Thermopiles
Thermopiles are passive heat transfer systems that stabilize permafrost through two-phase thermosyphon technology. These vertical ground heat exchangers maintain frozen ground conditions for foundations, preventing thaw-related structural damage in arctic environments. Our ASME-certified fabrication ensures long-term durability in extreme climates.
Thermoprobes
Thermoprobes provide targeted ground freezing solutions for slope stabilization and hazardous waste containment. Available in sloping, flat-loop, and totally-buried configurations, these systems create impervious frozen barriers while maintaining structural integrity in unstable terrain through patented thermal transfer processes.
Hybrid Thermosyphons
Hybrid thermosyphon systems integrate active and passive cooling components for enhanced ground temperature control. These adaptive solutions address complex geotechnical challenges in transitional permafrost zones, offering improved thermal regulation for infrastructure in changing climate conditions.
Permafrost Stabilization
Our stabilization solutions prevent frost heave and ground degradation through controlled freezing techniques. By maintaining optimal ground temperatures, we ensure structural longevity for buildings, towers, and critical infrastructure in arctic and sub-arctic construction projects.
Hazardous Waste Containment
We deploy impervious frozen barriers to contain hazardous contaminants in permafrost regions. These systems immobilize waterborne toxins while maintaining structural stability, providing environmentally responsible solutions for waste management in sensitive ecological zones.
People
Erwin Long
Inventor
Erwin 'Erv' Long developed the original Thermopile system in 1956 while working for the US Army Corps of Engineers. His patented passive thermal transfer process revolutionized arctic construction. Recognized as Alaska Engineer of the Year in 1978, he holds multiple patents in ground freezing technology.
Edward Yarmak
Chief Engineer
Edward Yarmak Jr., a professional engineer with 29+ years of geotechnical experience, has led AFI's engineering team for 26 years. His expertise in cold regions engineering and thermosyphon systems ensures technical excellence in all ground freezing solutions, maintaining ASME code compliance and innovation.
Questions
What is Arctic Foundations' core technology?
We specialize in passive ground freezing systems using two-phase thermosyphons for permafrost stabilization and hazardous waste containment.
How long has Arctic Foundations been in business?
Our technology development began in 1956 with the Thermopile system, with commercial operations since the early 1970s.
What makes your systems different from competitors?
Our ASME-certified fabrication, proprietary corrosion protection, and 40+ years of cold regions engineering experience deliver longer-lasting, lower-cost solutions.
Do you work outside Alaska?
While headquartered in Anchorage, we provide ground freezing solutions globally for arctic, sub-arctic, and permafrost regions worldwide.
What industries do you serve?
We support construction, environmental remediation, and infrastructure projects requiring permafrost stabilization, slope protection, and hazardous material containment.
