Book excerpt: The monograph describes the various kinds of foundations used for structures on permafrost with a brief discussion of foundations in areas of seasonal frost. Special attention is given to piled foundations in permafrost and the design of ventilation systems for controlling thaw under heated buildings. Appendixes outline techniques for computing the depth of freezing or of thawing, the design of refrigeration systems for artificial freezing, and the recommended procedure in the USSR for static pile tests. Included in the main text are 51 figures and 62 selected references. (Author).