Stabilization of Erodible and Thawing Permafrost Slopes with Geofibers and Synthetic Fluid

Instability of erodible slopes due to extreme climate events and of permafrost slopes due degradation and thawing is a significant engineering problem for northern transportation infrastructure. Engineers continually look for mitigation alternatives to stabilize erodible slopes and reduce thaw instability and related hazards in permafrost areas. Traditional stabilization techniques tend to be costly as they require specialized skills and equipments to ensure adequate performance. Additionally, the effectiveness of traditional slope stabilization methods becomes limited in cold climatic conditions. Recently, geofibers and synthetic fluid have been used to improve very loose sandy soils. The project proposes to conduct a large-scale field investigation to study the feasibility of stabilizing erodible and thawing permafrost slopes with geofibers and synthetic fluid. The research will be coordinated between the Alaska University Transportation Center (AUTC) and AK Department of Transportation (DOT)&PF. The proposed research will greatly help minimize the problems & risks posed by thawing permafrost slopes instability in cold regions. The outcome of this research will be useful in ensuring a reliable, safe and economic design. The followings are expected to be accomplished: (1) large-scale testing of the proposed technology on an in-situ slope, 2) development of design guidelines for producing plans and specifications for geofiber/synthetic fluid reinforced slopes, 3) a guidance manual (based on the experience throughout this research) for construction installation and maintenance of the constructed slope, 4) implementation of research findings in the geo-materials and transportation curriculum, 5) completion of a master degree by the student involved in the research, and 6) a final report on the research.

• Record URL:
  http://www.alaska.edu/uaf/cem/ine/autc/
• Supplemental Notes:
  • RFP4

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $118088.00
• Contract Numbers:

  DTRT06-G-0011

  410028

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

  2301 Peger Road
  Fairbanks, AK  United States  99701

  RITA: Research and Innovative Technology Administration

  1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Connor, Billy

• Performing Organizations:

  Alaska University Transportation Center

  University of Alaska, Fairbanks
  P.O. Box 755900
  Fairbanks, AK  United States  99775-5900
• Principal Investigators:

  Hulsey, J Leroy

  Zhang, Xiong

• Start Date: 20100701
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 20121231
• Source Data: RiP Project 27029

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Degradation (Hydrology); Erosion control; Freeze thaw durability; Permafrost; Sandy soils; Soil stabilization
• Uncontrolled Terms: Geofibers; Synthetic fluids
• Geographic Terms: Alaska
• Subject Areas: Design; Geotechnology; Highways; I15: Environment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01486630
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Alaska University Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: DTRT06-G-0011, 410028
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Jul 12 2013 1:00AM