The use of ceramics within the signage project in hostile and environmentally protected areas: the Keller Peninsula case

ABSTRACT

The research goal is to measure the suitability of ceramics as a material for manufacturing sign prototypes and support components of the signage system for the Comandante Ferraz Brazilian Antarctic Station, Brazil’s main base in the Antarctic region. The latter represents an environment with particular characteristics, having unique rules of occupation and material extraction and disposal, which demands a special approach when inserting any kind of foreign body to it. The methodology of tests management and suitability proofing of ceramics to the harsh Antarctic landscape conditions are split into four stages, bearing in mind that this study considers the results of the stages I and II: Stage I: identification of the ceramics properties in regard to its resistance, review of literature resources on the Antarctic environment’s specificities and identification of logistic specificities concerning the Antarctic Brazilian Program (PROANTAR); Stage II: information management (feasibility, environmental impact, maintenance, and suitability of logistics); clay choice, project launching, prototype drafts, clay baking and finally manufacturing of the first prototype. According to our findings, ceramics proves to be an adequate material in the manufacturing of the component for the Keller Peninsula Signage System. The installation of a prototype in that region is scheduled for November 2012 and the test period lasts one year. After that it will be possible to draw the final conclusions and/or work on necessary adjustments.

Date: 2012