Disaster Mechanism and Frost Heave Effect of Railway Tunnel Induced by Drainage System Failure in High Latitude Cold Region

Abstract

In this study, temperature monitoring and freezing disaster investigation in winter were conducted in three high latitude cold regional tunnels of Northeast China. Observations indicate that the air temperature in the tunnel middle section and the deep buried central drainage pipe remains stable at 0–5°C, while at the entrance section and the side ditch, it fluctuates around −15°C for about 2 months. Consequently, warm water from the middle section supplies both ends of the tunnel, making the entrance section drainage system prone to ice jams and freezing damage. Field investigation reveals 5 types of freezing-induced catastrophic behavior in tunnel drainage systems. In addition, frost heave effects from drainage system failure are simulated, showing that the lining compressive stress due to frost heave of drainage system is about 450 kPa, which is 200% of the surrounding rock frost heave. Moreover, the tensile stress due to frost heave of the side wall crack seepage or cavity water is the most significant, followed by the arch springing, then the hance, and finally the vault. Finally, consideration of the frost heave effect induced by drainage system is crucial for ensuring tunnel operation safety in high latitude cold regions.