Construction and maintenance of road infrastructure under permafrost conditions found in northern parts of many countries pose serious technical and economic challenges. Permafrost is construed as a soil layer that never becomes fully unfrozen, with its mechanical properties varying depending on temperature.
Contents
Road construction problems under permafrost conditions
Woven geotextile-assisted solutions
Road construction problems under permafrost conditions
Road pavement destruction. Permafrost may cause substantial fluctuations of ground water level and road pavement deformation, that may result in road destruction.
Seasonal melting. Spring and summer melting of permafrost may cause formation of potholes and cracks in road pavement.
Seasonal variations of soil mechanical properties. Permafrost is characterized by sensitivity of strength and elasticity to temperature, which has a negative effect on road construction and safety of traffic.
Woven geotextile-assisted solutions
Application of woven geotextiles is one of the ways to solve the problems of road construction under permafrost conditions. Woven geotextiles are the materials possessing high strength and resistance to aggressive environmental impacts. They may be effectively utilized in road pavement improvement on the following counts:
- Soil deformation reduction. Woven geotextiles can be used to lessen soil deformation caused by seasonal temperature variations thus ensuring a more stable road pavement.
- Soil reinforcement and stabilization. Woven geotextiles contribute to soil reinforcement and stabilization to allow increase in road pavement reliability and durability.
Application of woven geotextiles is one of the ways to solve the problems of road construction under permafrost conditions. Woven geotextiles are the materials possessing high strength and resistance to aggressive environmental impacts. They may be effectively utilized in road pavement improvement on the following counts:
- Soil deformation reduction. Woven geotextiles can be used to lessen soil deformation caused by seasonal temperature variations thus ensuring a more stable road pavement.
- Soil reinforcement and stabilization. Woven geotextiles contribute to soil reinforcement and stabilization to allow increase in road pavement reliability and durability.
Woven geotextiles are represented by Geospan GT PP and Geospan PET in Geospan range. They have been used many times in road construction under permafrost conditions. Over 50 road projects function successfully in the environment of Russian Extreme North and permafrost areas.
Conclusions
Problems of road construction under permafrost conditions may be serious, but it is possible to enhance the road infrastructure stability and durability through use of materials like woven geotextiles. Geotextile use is an effective way to solve the problems and ensure safe traffic in northern areas exposed to permafrost. Further research and developments in this field may render road construction in such environment still more effective and sustainable.
