Colonel James D Bush Jr. wrote a "Narrative Report of Alaska
Constrcution 1941-1944" for the Army Defense Command, Construction
Department. He describes "reinforced concrete igloo magazines" as 26x60
feet with 6" to 1-foot thick concrete shell covered in 3 feet of earth.
They could withstand a direct hit of "only a small bomb." These
magazines were built at Fort Richardson and Ladd Field, and a few more
at "smaller stations" before their use was discontinued in 1943. After
that time Elephant Shelters, Quonset or Cowin huts were used. There is
no more detail in the text but there are several photos- please contact
me off list if you would like a copy of them.
Incidently, my research has led me to equate "Elephant Shelters" with
Armco-brand huts: a small heavy bolted metal version of the Quonset
style that did not require internal ribs. Does any one know if this is
correct?
Catherine Williams
Northern Land Use Research
Fairbanks, Alaska