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FAIRBANKS — The steam main rupture that caused a loss of heat and water for numerous University of Alaska Fairbanks buildings on Monday is believed to have been caused by over-heated steam, UAF spokeswoman Marmian Grimes said.
Fifteen Walsh Hall residents were relocated because of excessive water damage.
The roughly fist-sized rupture happened at an expansion joint designed to grow and shrink with changing temperatures. It’s not known how hot the steam was, but normal temperatures are 270 to 280 degrees. Escaping steam then caused multiple holes in water lines.
Grimes said facilities crews have patched the lines, but more extensive repairs will have to be completed later.