Technical Regulation and Monitoring of Subgrade Construction in the Arctic

The study outlines the technology for increasing the bearing capacity of the subgrade foundation on high-temperature permafrost soils in the Arctic zone with the objective to develop technological regimes for strengthening the weak foundation of embankments, allowing for regulation of loads during construction of facilities on permafrost soils. The research methods included system analysis and the methods specific for organising construction in the permafrost zone. The described methodology consists of step-by-step modelling and calculation of parameters for geotechnical monitoring of the condition of the subgrade to determine the maximum permissible technological loads.

The tasks and functions of the system for regulating and monitoring technological operations are determined to specifically increase the strength characteristics of weak foundations during the construction period. The main factors influencing functioning of a new natural-technical complex during construction on permafrost have been established, namely changes in the temperature field, loads of construction machines and physical and mechanical characteristics of soils. The study highlights feasibility of organising comprehensive assessments and mutual control of soil deformability using geotechnical monitoring and automated process control systems for machines and construction equipment. The technological regime for deep strengthening of weak foundations of geotechnical objects should include regulation of the parameters of construction loads and quality control of processes during vibration compaction of the upper zone and construction of a pile field.The article outlines the features of the experimental application of the complex technology to ensure the design bearing capacity of soils during reconstruction and construction of sections of the Northern Latitudinal Railway and Obskaya – Bovanenkovo railway.

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