The University of Alaska Fairbanks professor tied his knowledge of heat transfer research with his personal experiences of growing up in Alaska where permafrost problems plague road systems throughout the state. He and the university teamed up with funding from the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation and the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to carry out the research that lead to a patent. Issued in December 1997, the patent is different from previous permafrost resistant road patents. The new roadway invented by Goering uses an embankment constructed of open rock to promote cooling during winter. The result is a smoother road with fewer dips and potholes that threaten safety and cars.
Less maintenance saves state dollars and frees up federal highway funds.
Even though it is not the primary goal for the university to create patents, several people on campus have patents in a variety of fields, he said. It establishes the credibility of UAF to do applied research. It can potentially help the university financially. Goering's patented process works much like the heat transfer devices that prevents the Alaska oil pipeline from sinking. The thermosyphons, or finned heat exchangers, on the vertical pilings next to the pipeline help cool the permafrost during the winter and prevent the hot oil being transported through the line from heating up the permafrost.