2009-10 Cape Evans, Stables rehabilitation - Load testing structural elements (018)

2009-10 Summer. Antarctic Heritage Trust Heritage Carpenter Gene Wixson performing load testing during Stables rehabilitation, Scott's Terra Nova hut, Cape Evans.

Major work to rehabilitate the Stables structure was directed by Consulting Structural Engineer Win Clark, and specified by Lead Heritage Carpenter Gordon Macdonald, in consultation with Pip Chesire and Chris Cochran. This included "sistering" new Totora along several existing purlins and adding an additional purlin. It additionally included adding stainless steel flitch plates to all existing, repaired and new rafters. It was also ensured that the connection of the rafters to the walls and posts were adequate. A load test was performed on the rafters and purlins to determine the structural sufficiency.