FROST ACTION IN ROAD TUNNELS

FROST I VEGTANNELER

Frost action in connection with water seepage in road tunnels may result in extensive tunnel maintenance and in traffic safety problems. Icicles on the walls and under the roof may loosen and fall down during thawing periods. The frost-expansion reduces the stability of the rock and stones might fall down and cause damages. The electric lighting installations may be broken down and the pavement covered with ice. In case of freezing of the underdrain the icing will extend into the surface. Frost penetration in tunnels is governed by the heat balance. The major factors responsible are the outside temperature and the air flow through the tunnel. In addition, heat from surrounding rock, from leaking water and from freezing water have an influence on the heat balance. Formulae which express simplified dependences between the variables in the heat balance are presented. When claculating the frost insulation, knowledge of the temperature gradient in the surrounding rock and of the heat transition coefficient between rock and air is required. Measurements in road tunnels are by now proceeding to determine these variables. When insulating the underdrain, the heat quantity in the water may be utilized. The insulation should therefore start where the temperature of the water is comparatively high. /Author/

• Corporate Authors:

  Norwegian Road Research Laboratory

  Postboks 8109, Gaustadalleen 25
  Oslo,   Norway 
• Authors:
  • Skogseid, A
• Publication Date: 1975-9

Language

• Norwegian

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 91-96
• Serial:
  • Publication of: Norwegian Road Research Laboratory
  • Publisher: Norwegian Road Research Laboratory

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air; Electric insulating materials; Flow; Frost action; Groundwater; Insulating materials; Maintenance; Safety; Seepage; Temperature; Tunnels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Air flow
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Geotechnology; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Maintenance and Preservation; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00131564
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: No. 48
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 14 1976 12:00AM