SANAE IV Base Specifications

The design process resulted in a base consisting of three interlinked double story  units, joined at the lower level by interleading passageways, which also serve as access and exit points. All three units are raised four meters above the rock surface on stilts. Wind tunnel tests were conducted by the CSIR to determine the most ideal shape and proportion of the structure resulting in rounded corners and smooth surfaces.

The frame was constructed from steel and the cladding is rigid, pre constructed foam and glass-fibre panels. The interior temperature is fully controlled and use is made of heat exchangers utilising power generator exhaust and coolant heat to warm the base interior.

Fresh water is obtained from a remote, manually operated snow smelter. A sealed effluent treatment plant is located in the structure and all sewerage is pumped through the plant to be treated. The discharge effluent conforms to standards for release into South African rivers. The concentrated sewerage sludge is containerized and removed to South Africa during the summer season. All other waste is sorted, containerized and shipped back to the Republic.

The outside bottom area of the base was coloured dark in an attempt to absorb heat and therefore remain relatively warm, in this way keeping the area below the base clear of snow and ice. The roof was coloured day glow orange for visibility from the air. To improve the visibility of vehicles, they are also painted day glow orange.

Dimensions

• Length: 175,7 m
• Building height: 6,25 m
• Stub column to ground floor height: 4 m
• Floor area: 3300 m²
• External Wall Thickness: 0,44 m
• Block A has an overall width of 11,45 meters
• Block B & C have an overall width of 14,82 meters

Material

• Structural steel: 600 tonnes
• Paint to structural steel: 10 300 m²
• Nuts, bolts, etc.: 25 tonnes
• Glass reinforced sandwich panels: 1783 units
• Internal sandwich partitioning: 3487 m²
• Glass wool insulation: 11 069 m²
• Silicone seals: 16 550 m
• Neoprene rubber seals: 12 145 m
• Triple paned glass windows: 155 units
• Aluminium service ducts: 520 m
• Materials crated in 2000 kg units (maximum helicopter payload): 1500

Mechanical Installation

• Heating and ventilation equipment, hot and cold water supply, drainage and sewerage systems, kitchen equipment and fire detection systems: 130 tonnes

Electrical and electronic installations

• 3 x 180 kW/ 220 kVA Diesel powered Leroy/Somer synchronous generators
• Uninterruptable power supply system with 5 x 10 kVA Meissner MP 200 supply units providing approximately 20 minutes power
• Power cable: 9000 m
• Lighting track: 1240 m
• Power outlet sockets: 450 units
• Low power compact fluorescent lights: 700 units
• Optical fibre: 4000 m
• Local Area Network and satellite Internet link
• PABX with 3 satellite channels and 60 extensions
• Telephone cable: 5000 m
• Addressable fire detection system
• Wall mounted heaters: 101 (750 Watt each)