Numerical simulation on the effects of deteriorating crushed-rock interlayers on thermal stability of embankments in permafrost regions

Abstract

The crushed-rock layer (CRL) in permafrost regions frequently deteriorates due to aeolian sand, snow accumulation as well as vibrations induced by traffic loads. This degradation can adversely affect the thermal performance of crushed-rock embankments (CREs), potentially causing deviations from their designed specifications. Therefore, it is imperative to thoroughly investigate the thermal stability of CREs under conditions of CRL degradation. By utilizing the crushed-rock interlayer embankment (CRIE) as a representative case, this study employs numerical simulations to analyze six instances of crushed-rock interlayer (CRI) deterioration, employing a mathematical model incorporating adjusted thermal parameters specific to the CRIE. In addition, a novel methodology for quantitatively analyzing temperature distributions within permafrost embankments is employed to assess the results. The findings indicate that all embankment cases lose their cooling capacity on the underlying permafrost prior to the 35th service year. Therefore, mitigating the rate of CRI degradation is essential to preserving the integrity of its underlying permafrost throughout the entire lifespan of the CRIE. The results of this study contribute to the advancement of a theoretical framework for the construction of CRIEs with significant safety margins in permafrost regions.