THERMAL MODEL FOR ROADS, AIRSTRIPS AND BUILDING FOUNDATIONS IN PERMAFROST REGIONS

A thermal model describing the one-dimensional heat conduction in a layered system is developed. Up to ten homogeneous layers, each having different thermal properties, porosity, water content and thickness, can be accommodated. A periodic temperature is input for the surface condition. The computed results consist of the depth of the thawed region as a function of time. The layered model is applied to the design of foundations for roads and airstrips in permafrost regions. A sensitivity study was made to find the effect on thaw depth of varying physical properties of the materials used, the geometry of the construction and the surface temperature. The means for extension of the model to building foundation design by modification of the surface boundary condition is presented.

• Corporate Authors:

  Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy

  906-1117 Ste Catherine Street, West
  Montreal 110, PQ  Canada 
• Authors:
  • Meyer, G H
  • KELLER, H H
  • Couch, E J
• Publication Date: 1972-4

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 13-25
• Serial:
  • Journal of Canadian Petroleum Technology
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cold weather; Foundations; Operations; Permafrost; Soil mechanics
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Geotechnology; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00046845
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 18 1976 12:00AM