A NEW WAY FOR THERMAL STABILIZATION OF PERMAFROST UNDER RAILWAY EMBANKMENT
A.A. Zhang1, E.S. Ashpiz2, L.N. Khrustalev1, D.M. Shesternev3
1 Lomonosov Moscow State University, Geological Faculty, Department of Geocryology, 1, Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119234, Russia; zhang.andrew.msu@gmail.com
2 Moscow State University of Railway, Institute of Track, Construction, and Structures, Department of Track and Track Facilities, 2, Minaevskiy per., Moscow, 127055, Russia
3 Melnikov Institute of Permafrost, SB RAS, 36, Merzlotnaya str., Yakutsk, 677010, Russia
It is suggested to prevent permafrost thawing under railroad embankments by laying a geosynthetic heat insulator on the slopes. The insulation creates a cooling effect whereby the permafrost table moves upward from the embankment base to its body. The thaw depth reduction is confirmed by geophysical surveys at a test segment of a railway operated in a permafrost area. The new method has better economic performance than other known ways of thermal stabilization.
Embankment, subgrade, permafrost, permafrost table, cooling effect, geophysical survey, economic performance