Field and Laboratory Study on the Use of Geotextiles and Related Products to Bridge Thermokarsts

摘要

A previously developed mathematical model was modified to calculate the reinforced material properties required to bridge thermokarsts of various sizes under various loading conditions. A field test was constructed consisting of 12 test sections. Trenches were excavated and filled with water which was allowed to freeze. The ice was covered with different geotextiles and geogrids and 30 inches of uncompacted alluvial sand and gravel. All sections withstood the thawing portion of the test as anticipated. The reinforcing materials sagged into the trenches as they picked up tension leaving surface depressions of 11 to 38 inches deep. The reinforcing materials in the remaining sections stretched or pulled out of the embankment until at least some of the load was carried on the bottom of the trench.