Runway engineering in permafrost regions

What is it about?

To improve the thermal stability of runways in permafrost regions, a crushed-rock and insulation subgrade is applied to optimize pavement structures of the large airport in permafrost regions. This study establishes and verifies the crushed-rock and insulation subgrade and pavement model for large airports in permafrost regions. Moreover, this study analyzes the influence of crushed-rock layer thickness and particle diameter, and insulation layer thickness and location on the temperature and settlement stability of runways in permafrost regions. Finally, this study proposes optimization parameters for combined crushed-rock and insulation subgrade in permafrost regions. The research provides valuable information informing the design, construction, operation, maintenance, safety, and management of airports in permafrost regions.

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Photo by Karim Balaa on Unsplash

Photo by Karim Balaa on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Crushed-rock and insulation subgrades exhibit many advantages for ensuring permafrost subgrade stability. However, crushed-rock subgrade is not suitable for a wide distribution and thick layer of permafrost owing to the limits of excavation, backfill, earthwork volume, and construction costs. The insulation subgrade method prevents the outward transfer of internal heat, but the permeability, strength, thickness, and durability of the insulation material also affect permafrost subgrade stability. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the optimal combination of crushed-rock and insulation subgrades in the large airport.

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