Scale Characteristics and Thermal Interference in Separated Crushed‐Rock Embankments in Permafrost Regions

Wenshu Yang, Qingzhi Wang, Jianhong Fang, Xianwei Zhang and Jiankun Liu

Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, 2025, vol. 36, issue 4, 664-677

Abstract: In permafrost regions, separated crushed‐rock embankments (SCREs) are crucial for constructing high‐grade highways, as they significantly mitigate the thermal impact on the underlying permafrost. Through numerical simulations, the research examines the influence of embankment spacing, height, and width on the thermal interference effects and cooling efficiency of SCREs in permafrost. The results demonstrate that increasing embankment spacing effectively reduces thermal interference, with 12.5 m identified as a critical threshold for optimal performance. Adjusting embankment height enhances air circulation and reduces heat transfer to the permafrost, with 3.5 m achieving the best cooling performance by isolating thawing zones. The relationship between embankment width and thermal interference is complex, with 13 m determined to be the optimal width for balancing cooling capacity and minimizing heat accumulation. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing SCREs design to protect permafrost, enhance infrastructure stability, and provide practical guidance for highway construction in cold regions.

Date: 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.70003

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wly:perpro:v:36:y:2025:i:4:p:664-677

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