Prospects for the use of Foam Glass Products in the Foundation of Buildings and Structures on Long Term Frozen Soils

Abstract

The degradation of permafrost is the reason for the increase in deformability of the foundations of buildings and structures built on long term frozen soils. It is necessary to develop geotechnical solutions that guarantee their operational reliability in a warming climate. The introduction of foam glass for use in the cryolithozone as thermal insulation solutions making it possible to preserve the frozen state of the soils of the bases is relevant. This will make it possible to limit the use of materials with lower durability. The existing scope of application of foam glass in Russia and the prospects for the use of foam glass products in the permafrost zone are considered. The high prospects of using foam glass at the base of buildings and structures on permafrost soils are determined by its physico-mechanical and thermos-physical characteristics such as durability, low water absorption and environmental safety. These properties of foam glass make it a promising material for use in the long term frozen soils zone. The main advantages of foam glass in comparison with its analogues are also low sorption capacity and capillary absorbency, high strength, fire resistance and resistance against aggressive media. In the production of foam glass for use in the cryolithozone, it is possible to use alternative local sources of raw materials: aluminosilicate and siliceous rocks. This will reduce the cost of the material, make it more affordable and increase sales volumes.