Numerical Simulations of Failure Mechanism for Silty Clay Slopes in Seasonally Frozen Ground

Zhimin Ma, Chuang Lin (), Han Zhao (), Ke Yin, Decheng Feng, Feng Zhang and Cong Guan
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Zhimin Ma: Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 79 Huang He Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin 150090, China
Chuang Lin: Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 79 Huang He Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin 150090, China
Han Zhao: Jilin Traffic Planning and Design Institute, No. 689 Gong Nong Street, Changchun 130021, China
Ke Yin: Jilin Traffic Planning and Design Institute, No. 689 Gong Nong Street, Changchun 130021, China
Decheng Feng: Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 79 Huang He Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin 150090, China
Feng Zhang: Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 79 Huang He Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin 150090, China
Cong Guan: Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 79 Huang He Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin 150090, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 4, 1-19

Abstract: Landslide damage to soil graben slopes in seasonal freezing zones is a crucial concern for highway slope safety, particularly in the northeast region of China where permafrost thawing is significant during the spring. The region has abundant seasonal permafrost and mostly comprises powdery clay soil that is susceptible to landslides due to persistent frost and thaw cycles. The collapse of a slope due to thawing and sliding not only disrupts highway operations but also generates lasting implications for environmental stability, economic resilience, and social well-being. By understanding and addressing the underlying mechanisms causing such events, we can directly contribute to the sustainable development of the region. Based on the Suihua–Beian highway graben slope landslide-management project, this paper establishes a three-dimensional finite element model of a seasonal permafrost slope using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.1 finite element numerical analysis software. Additionally, the PDE mathematical module of the software is redeveloped to perform hydrothermal-coupling calculations of seasonal permafrost slopes. The simulation results yielded the dynamic distribution characteristics of the temperature and seepage field on the slope during the F–T process. The mechanism behind the slope thawing and sliding was also unveiled. The findings provide crucial technical support for the rational analysis of slope stability, prevention of sliding, and effective control measures, establishing a direct linkage to the promotion of sustainable infrastructure development in the context of transportation and roadway engineering.

Keywords: slope thaw and slump; silty clay; hydrothermal coupling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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