In the vast and challenging landscapes of the Arctic, where the ground beneath our feet is literally thawing, a new study offers a glimmer of hope for the energy sector’s infrastructure woes. Taisia V. Shepitko, a researcher from the Russian University of Transport in Moscow, has delved into the critical issue of stabilizing structures built on high-temperature permafrost soils, a pressing concern as global temperatures rise and anthropogenic activities increase.
The study, published in ‘Нанотехнологии в строительстве’ (Nanotechnologies in Construction), explores two promising technologies for reinforcing the subgrade—the foundation layer of a road—in these fragile, thawing soils. “Ensuring the stability of the subgrade in permafrost areas is one of the most pressing challenges in modern design, construction, and operation of transportation infrastructure,” Shepitko asserts.
The two technologies under the microscope are jet grouting and vertical crushed stone columns. Jet grouting involves injecting a cement slurry into the soil at high pressure to create a solidified mass, while vertical crushed stone columns involve, as the name suggests, installing columns of crushed stone to reinforce the soil.
Shepitko’s team conducted numerical modeling to compare the effectiveness of these technologies. They found that both methods significantly improved the reliability of structures built on permafrost soils. However, the choice between the two depends on specific conditions. “Jet grouting is suitable for areas with high stability and bearing capacity requirements,” Shepitko explains, “but it requires mandatory preliminary selection of the cement slurry and analysis of its exothermic behavior during strength gain.” On the other hand, vertical crushed stone columns proved to be a promising solution, especially for less heavily loaded sections.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. As oil and gas companies venture into the Arctic, they face the daunting task of building and maintaining infrastructure on permafrost soils. The findings of this study could guide their decisions, helping them choose the most effective and economical reinforcement technology for their specific projects.
Moreover, this research could shape future developments in the field. As Shepitko notes, “The choice of foundation soil reinforcement technology should be based on an analysis of specific construction and operational conditions of the object—natural, technical, technological, and economic factors.” This holistic approach could become a standard in the industry, leading to more sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure development in permafrost regions.
In the face of climate change, this study offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with the right technologies and approaches, we can adapt and overcome the challenges posed by thawing permafrost. As the energy sector continues to push into these fragile ecosystems, the insights from this research will be invaluable in ensuring the stability and longevity of their infrastructure.