A Rapid Evaluation Method of Permafrost Bearing Capacity in the Tibetan Plateau Region Based on the Correlation Between CPT-CBR

Abstract

Permafrost, as a soil type under unique environmental conditions, has bearing characteristics that are highly susceptible to thermo-hydraulic environments. Rapid evaluation of the bearing characteristics of in situ permafrost at various depths in perennially frozen regions is a critical scientific issue urgently needing resolution in the road design and construction sectors in China. To address this, this study investigates the correlation between CPT parameters and laboratory mechanical indices under the combined effects of multiple factors in frozen sandy soils. By conducting both CPT and CBR tests on frozen sandy soils, the study analyzes the trends in changes in cone tip resistance (qc) and CBR values under the influence of temperature (T), moisture content (ω), and compaction degree (K) and establishes a functional relationship between them. Based on the standard requirements for indoor CBR, an evaluation criterion using qc for assessing the bearing capacity of frozen sandy soil is proposed. The results indicate that both CBR values and qc increase initially and then stabilize as K increases. With decreasing temperature, both indices stabilize after an initial increase, with turning points at −3.1 °C for CBR values and −2.5 °C for qc. As ω increases, both indices first increase and then stabilize, with a turning point at 40%ω. There is a robust linear relationship between the CBR values and qc, with the ratio of predicted CBR values to actual values showing a histogram and log-normal distribution accounting for 81% and 51.3%, respectively, within a 20% accuracy level, indicating good predictive performance. Referring to the highway subgrade specifications for indoor CBR, a standard for evaluating the bearing capacity of frozen sandy soils using CPT technology is proposed. This study provides new insights for geological surveys in perennially frozen regions and a theoretical basis for the application of CPT technology in evaluating the bearing capacity of permafrost.