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Geotechnical Challenges in Permafrost Regions

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19 views

Geotechnical Challenges in Permafrost Regions

Uploaded by

Ali
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Geotechnical challenges in

permafrost regions
Course Name Geotechnical Engineering

Huzaifa Mushtaq and Hussain Ahmed Khan


What is permafrost?

Permafrost is a layer of soil, rock,


sand, or sediment that remains
frozen for at least two years at a
time, although in many areas it has
remained frozen for thousands of
years. This type of soil covers a vast
area of ​the Earth's surface,
especially in the Northern
Hemisphere, encompassing
approximately 23 million square
kilometer sit is found mainly in
areas such as the Siberian Arctic,
Alaska, Canada, Greenland and the
Tibetan Plateau.
Types of Permafrost
Continuous Permafrost: Extends across vast areas; found in the Arctic.
Discontinuous Permafrost: Exists in patches, typically in areas closer to the
permafrost boundary.
Sporadic Permafrost: Limited to small areas in temperate zones.
Seasonal Frost: Ground freezes and thaws annually.
Geotechnical Importance of
Permafrost

•Influences foundation design, soil stability, and material properties.

•Key Geotechnical Issues: Thermal conductivity, frost heave, thaw settlement.


Impact of Climate
Change on
Permafrost
Warming temperatures leading to
permafrost thawing.

Results: Ground instability,


infrastructure damage, and
greenhouse gas release (e.g.,
methane).
Projected Thaw: Significant thawing
expected over the next century.
Frost Heave and
Its Impact

•Definition: The upward


movement of soil caused
by freezing and expansion
of water within the soil.
•Impact: Distorts pavements,
roads, and foundations.
•Example: Pavement buckling
and road surface cracking in
permafrost regions.
Thaw Settlement
Definition: Ground subsidence
caused by the melting of ice within
the soil.
Impact: Can cause sinking of
structures, leading to cracks in
foundations and uneven surfaces.
Challenges: Difficult to predict and
control.
Geotechnical Site
Investigation in
Permafrost Regions
Difficulties: Limited access, permafrost variability, extreme weather.
Methods:
Borehole drilling with special equipment.
Remote sensing (e.g., satellite imagery).
Geophysical surveys (e.g., ground-penetrating radar).
Engineering
Challenges in
Permafrost Regions
Foundations: Designing stable
foundations for buildings, pipelines,
and roads.
Materials: Material selection
considering low temperatures and
thaw-related instability.
Construction Techniques: Special
construction methods to prevent
thawing (e.g., raised foundations,
insulation).
Designing
Foundations for
Permafrost
•Challenges:
•Ensuring foundation stability during
thawing periods.
•Types of Foundations: Pile
foundations, slab-on-grade with
insulation.
•Techniques:
•Thermal Insulation: Preventing heat
transfer to the underlying frozen
soil.
•Airflow and Ventilation: Ensuring
consistent temperature regulation.
Case Study 1:
Alaska Oil
Pipelines
Background: The Trans-Alaska
Pipeline, which crosses extensive
permafrost regions.
Challenges: Thawing permafrost and
ground instability.
Solutions: Elevated pipeline design,
insulation, and refrigeration to
protect the permafrost below.
Case Study 2:
Russian Arctic
Infrastructure
Background: Developing
infrastructure in the Russian Arctic
region.
Challenges: Thawing permafrost
leading to road and building
collapse.
Solutions: Elevated structures,
thermosyphons (devices that cool
the ground), and raised platforms.
Conclusion
Summary: Permafrost regions present unique geotechnical challenges that
require adaptive engineering solutions.
Key Takeaways: Importance of understanding permafrost behavior, innovative
solutions, and the need for monitoring and research in response to climate
change.
Thank You

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