Influence of Route Direction on Thermal Field of Embankments Constructed in High-Altitude Permafrost Area

This paper discusses the effect of route direction, embankment height, and pavement type on the thermal field of embankments built in permafrost regions. A finite-element model (FEM) is adopted to simulate diverse conditions of the embankment. The 30-year meteorological data including the solar radiation, air temperature, and wind velocity are used as the boundary conditions for the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. Results obtained from the FEM calculations are found to be in good agreement with actual measurements on the thermal field. The results also show that route direction has great impact on the equilibrium of the thermal field within embankments in permafrost regions. The thermal imbalance is more obvious for embankments in the east–west direction and less in the north–south direction. In addition, the thermal asymmetry is closely related to seasonal variation and it is more pronounced in winter and less in summer.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/13202939
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission from ASCE
• Authors:
  • Wang, Hai-nian
  • Dou, Ming-jian
• Publication Date: 2008-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 39-53
• Serial:
  • Journal of Cold Regions Engineering
  • Volume: 22
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0887-381X
  • Serial URL: http://opjs.aip.org/cro

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Embankment foundations; Embankments and retaining walls; Frigid regions; Highway engineering; Pavements; Permafrost; Route choice; Thermal properties; Thermal stresses
• Identifier Terms: Qinghai-Tibet Highway
• Uncontrolled Terms: Boundary conditions
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Pavements; Planning and Forecasting; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01103012
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 24 2008 7:42AM