Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-19DOI: 10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104877
Yanhui Qin , Jinshuai Yin , Jianbao Yuan , Lele Zhang , Mengen Li , Chengdong Li , Haoyuan Ma , Lulu Zheng , Shuo Li , Suwen Deng
To address the disconnection between material properties and regional freeze–thaw zoning, this study integrates concrete freezing point data with corrected ERA5–Land reanalysis data for physics–based zoning along National Highway G214. Laboratory experiments determined the freezing temperature of C40 concrete under varying natural saturation (NS) levels, revealing a significant nonlinear positive correlation (R2 = 0.987, RMSE = 0.042 °C, P < 0.001), and identifying −3.30 °C as the material–specific threshold for freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs) along National Highway G214. A correction model based on multi–pressure–level lapse rates improved ERA5–Land ground surface temperature (GST) accuracy. Coupling this threshold with corrected GST data, we quantified annual number of FTCs (NFTCs) along National Highway G214(1980–2024), showing a distinct spatial pattern of 200–240 NFTCs in low–altitude areas and fewer than 100 NFTCs in high–altitude regions. This research integrates material–scale experimental data and regional meteorological data, offering a material–specific theoretical foundation and region–specific parameters for the segmented frost–resistant design of concrete structures. It ultimately enhances the scientific rigor of the design, construction, and long–term maintenance of highway infrastructure in cold regions.
为了解决材料特性与区域冻融区划之间的脱节问题，本研究将混凝土凝固点数据与修正后的ERA5-Land再分析数据整合在G214国道沿线的物理区划中。实验室实验确定了C40混凝土在不同自然饱和度（NS）水平下的冻结温度，显示出显著的非线性正相关（R2 = 0.987, RMSE = 0.042°C, P < 0.001），并确定- 3.30°C为国道G214沿线冻融循环（FTCs）的特定材料阈值。基于多压力级递减率的修正模型提高了ERA5-Land ground surface temperature （GST）的精度。将这一阈值与修正后的GST数据相结合，我们对G214国道沿线的年FTCs数量（NFTCs）进行了量化（1980-2024），发现低海拔地区的FTCs数量为200-240，高海拔地区的FTCs数量小于100。本研究将材料尺度的实验数据与区域气象数据相结合，为混凝土结构分段抗冻设计提供了基于材料的理论基础和基于区域的参数。最终提高了寒冷地区公路基础设施设计、施工和长期维护的科学严谨性。
{"title":"Integrating material–scale freezing point determination with ERA5–Land reanalysis data for physics–based freeze–thaw zoning along national highway G214 on the Qinghai–Tibet plateau","authors":"Yanhui Qin , Jinshuai Yin , Jianbao Yuan , Lele Zhang , Mengen Li , Chengdong Li , Haoyuan Ma , Lulu Zheng , Shuo Li , Suwen Deng","doi":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104877","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104877","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To address the disconnection between material properties and regional freeze–thaw zoning, this study integrates concrete freezing point data with corrected ERA5–Land reanalysis data for physics–based zoning along National Highway G214. Laboratory experiments determined the freezing temperature of C40 concrete under varying natural saturation (NS) levels, revealing a significant nonlinear positive correlation (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.987, RMSE = 0.042 °C, <em>P</em> < 0.001), and identifying −3.30 °C as the material–specific threshold for freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs) along National Highway G214. A correction model based on multi–pressure–level lapse rates improved ERA5–Land ground surface temperature (GST) accuracy. Coupling this threshold with corrected GST data, we quantified annual number of FTCs (NFTCs) along National Highway G214(1980–2024), showing a distinct spatial pattern of 200–240 NFTCs in low–altitude areas and fewer than 100 NFTCs in high–altitude regions. This research integrates material–scale experimental data and regional meteorological data, offering a material–specific theoretical foundation and region–specific parameters for the segmented frost–resistant design of concrete structures. It ultimately enhances the scientific rigor of the design, construction, and long–term maintenance of highway infrastructure in cold regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10522,"journal":{"name":"Cold Regions Science and Technology","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 104877"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147386011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104856
Juncheng Wu , Yang Lu , Yonggan Zhang , Siyu Zhang , Jian Wang , Sihong Liu
Understanding the swelling and shrinkage behavior of clay under freezing conditions is critical for mitigating frost damage in seasonally frozen and permafrost regions, yet current studies predominantly focus on freezing-induced swelling while overlooking systematic analysis of freezing-induced shrinkage. To address this gap, a series of freeze-thaw (F-T) cycling tests were conducted on clayey soil over a wide saturation range to establish fundamental relationships among degree of saturation (Sr), void ratio (e), number of F-T cycles (N), and freezing-induced deformation (εv). The findings reveal that during multiple F-T cycles, clayey soils with varying void ratios all exhibit freezing-induced shrinkage/swelling under low/high degree of saturation, respectively. Notably, freezing shrinkage peaks at a specific low-saturation threshold before transitioning to swelling. Furthermore, a unique saturation point was identified at which no net deformation occurs. Given limited data availability in existing literature, conventional data-driven models show poor predictive performance. Thus, a hybrid model was proposed by integrating experimental evidence with physical mechanisms of freezing processes, enabling an accurate prediction of both global and local freezing characteristics with sparse data. The proposed data-driven modelling overcomes the need for training with a large amount of data or the dependence on the governing partial differential equations, thereby facilitating fast and robust model development to capture complex soil freezing-induced volumetric changes with less experimental and computational cost. The study provides valuable insights into the freezing-induced deformation of clayey soils and a solution for data-scarce modelling.
{"title":"Swelling-shrinkage of an unsaturated clay upon freezing: Experimental investigation and data-driven modelling","authors":"Juncheng Wu , Yang Lu , Yonggan Zhang , Siyu Zhang , Jian Wang , Sihong Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104856","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104856","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the swelling and shrinkage behavior of clay under freezing conditions is critical for mitigating frost damage in seasonally frozen and permafrost regions, yet current studies predominantly focus on freezing-induced swelling while overlooking systematic analysis of freezing-induced shrinkage. To address this gap, a series of freeze-thaw (F-T) cycling tests were conducted on clayey soil over a wide saturation range to establish fundamental relationships among degree of saturation (<em>S</em><sub>r</sub>), void ratio (<em>e</em>), number of F-T cycles (<em>N</em>), and freezing-induced deformation (<em>ε</em><sub>v</sub>). The findings reveal that during multiple F-T cycles, clayey soils with varying void ratios all exhibit freezing-induced shrinkage/swelling under low/high degree of saturation, respectively. Notably, freezing shrinkage peaks at a specific low-saturation threshold before transitioning to swelling. Furthermore, a unique saturation point was identified at which no net deformation occurs. Given limited data availability in existing literature, conventional data-driven models show poor predictive performance. Thus, a hybrid model was proposed by integrating experimental evidence with physical mechanisms of freezing processes, enabling an accurate prediction of both global and local freezing characteristics with sparse data. The proposed data-driven modelling overcomes the need for training with a large amount of data or the dependence on the governing partial differential equations, thereby facilitating fast and robust model development to capture complex soil freezing-induced volumetric changes with less experimental and computational cost. The study provides valuable insights into the freezing-induced deformation of clayey soils and a solution for data-scarce modelling.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10522,"journal":{"name":"Cold Regions Science and Technology","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 104856"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147386039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-16DOI: 10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104874
Tiantian Fu , Zhiwu Zhu , Lijun Zhang , Yue Ma , Jianyu Li , Ni Zhen , Longjiang Hou , Shuai Zhang
In cold regions, frequent disturbances caused by impacts during construction and operation are key factors contributing to soil failure and instability. Owing to the limitations of existing studies on the characterization of energy dissipation in frozen soil under cyclic impact loading, investigating this behavior in detail and developing a constitutive model under passive confinement is necessary. Using a series of impact experiments, this study examines the fluctuation properties and energy-dissipation response of frozen soil subjected to repeated dynamic loads. The influence of gas pressure and temperature on the average dissipated energy is clarified based on the evolution of waveform characteristics. In developing a cyclic dynamic model, first, the coupling relationship between defect evolution and thermal damage is comprehensively considered in conjunction with the Lemaitre strain-equivalence assumption. Subsequently, an elastic modulus reduction factor is introduced to describe the weakening behavior of frozen soil under repeated loading. Finally, a cyclic dynamic degradation model for frozen soil is established. Compared with previous dynamic constitutive models for frozen soil, the proposed model is applicable to repeated impact loading and has greater engineering practicality. The feasibility of the proposed model is demonstrated by predicting the dynamic degradation response of frozen soil under one-dimensional strain conditions.
{"title":"Characterization of energy dissipation and modeling of damage evolution in frozen soils under cyclic impact loading","authors":"Tiantian Fu , Zhiwu Zhu , Lijun Zhang , Yue Ma , Jianyu Li , Ni Zhen , Longjiang Hou , Shuai Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104874","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104874","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In cold regions, frequent disturbances caused by impacts during construction and operation are key factors contributing to soil failure and instability. Owing to the limitations of existing studies on the characterization of energy dissipation in frozen soil under cyclic impact loading, investigating this behavior in detail and developing a constitutive model under passive confinement is necessary. Using a series of impact experiments, this study examines the fluctuation properties and energy-dissipation response of frozen soil subjected to repeated dynamic loads. The influence of gas pressure and temperature on the average dissipated energy is clarified based on the evolution of waveform characteristics. In developing a cyclic dynamic model, first, the coupling relationship between defect evolution and thermal damage is comprehensively considered in conjunction with the Lemaitre strain-equivalence assumption. Subsequently, an elastic modulus reduction factor is introduced to describe the weakening behavior of frozen soil under repeated loading. Finally, a cyclic dynamic degradation model for frozen soil is established. Compared with previous dynamic constitutive models for frozen soil, the proposed model is applicable to repeated impact loading and has greater engineering practicality. The feasibility of the proposed model is demonstrated by predicting the dynamic degradation response of frozen soil under one-dimensional strain conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10522,"journal":{"name":"Cold Regions Science and Technology","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 104874"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147386041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dispersive soils are extensively distributed across the Songnen Plain, Northeast China. These soils exhibit poor resistance to water erosion, and their engineering properties deteriorate significantly under seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, thereby posing severe geotechnical hazards. Conventional chemical stabilization methods suffer from issues such as ecological pollution and unsatisfactory long-term effectiveness, making it difficult to meet requirements for ecological compatibility and long-term stability. Soybean urease-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (SICP), an emerging, economical, environmentally friendly, and sustainable technique, effectively inhibits soil dispersion and enhances freeze-thaw resistance by inducing calcium carbonate deposition to cement soil particles. In this study, a series of macro- and micro-scale tests were conducted to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of SICP in stabilizing dispersive soils and its long-term performance under freeze-thaw cycling. The corresponding stabilization mechanism and freeze–thaw deterioration mechanism were elucidated. Results show that SICP reduces interparticle repulsive forces and strengthens interparticle bonding through ion exchange and biomineralization-driven cementation, significantly improving the anti-dispersion capacity and mechanical properties of dispersive soils, the maximum unconfined compressive strength increase reaches 154.55%. Moreover, SICP effectively suppresses soil particle dispersion during freeze-thaw cycling and inhibits the formation and expansion of internal large pores (4-40 μm) and ultra-large pores (> 40 μm). After 30 freeze–thaw cycles, the strength of SICP-treated soil is 271.34% higher than that of untreated soil, indicating a fundamental enhancement in freeze-thaw resistance.
{"title":"A new strategy for improving the anti-dispersal properties and mechanical performance of dispersed soil in seasonal frozen regions: Research on the application of soybean urease-induced carbonate precipitation (SICP)","authors":"Yuxuan Zhou, Xiaoqing Yuan, Qing Wang, Huie Chen, Xin Xu, Xiaoqiang Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104882","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104882","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dispersive soils are extensively distributed across the Songnen Plain, Northeast China. These soils exhibit poor resistance to water erosion, and their engineering properties deteriorate significantly under seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, thereby posing severe geotechnical hazards. Conventional chemical stabilization methods suffer from issues such as ecological pollution and unsatisfactory long-term effectiveness, making it difficult to meet requirements for ecological compatibility and long-term stability. Soybean urease-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (SICP), an emerging, economical, environmentally friendly, and sustainable technique, effectively inhibits soil dispersion and enhances freeze-thaw resistance by inducing calcium carbonate deposition to cement soil particles. In this study, a series of macro- and micro-scale tests were conducted to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of SICP in stabilizing dispersive soils and its long-term performance under freeze-thaw cycling. The corresponding stabilization mechanism and freeze–thaw deterioration mechanism were elucidated. Results show that SICP reduces interparticle repulsive forces and strengthens interparticle bonding through ion exchange and biomineralization-driven cementation, significantly improving the anti-dispersion capacity and mechanical properties of dispersive soils, the maximum unconfined compressive strength increase reaches 154.55%. Moreover, SICP effectively suppresses soil particle dispersion during freeze-thaw cycling and inhibits the formation and expansion of internal large pores (4-40 μm) and ultra-large pores (> 40 μm). After 30 freeze–thaw cycles, the strength of SICP-treated soil is 271.34% higher than that of untreated soil, indicating a fundamental enhancement in freeze-thaw resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10522,"journal":{"name":"Cold Regions Science and Technology","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 104882"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147386015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104860
Yuhao Ren , Qingqing Yang , Fei Cai , Zhiman Su
Rock-ice avalanches pose increasing threats to global cold mountainous regions, yet their flow mechanisms remain poorly understood. Rock-ice flows were numerically simulated with the discrete element method. Pendular liquid bridges were modelled, considering the capillary force, viscous force, and the volume redistribution during bridge formation and rupture. This work focuses on the flow behavior and rheological characteristics of the rock-ice particle (5–10 cm) flows under dry or slightly wet conditions, and reveals that the μ(I) rheology remains numerically applicable, though more solid experimental evidences are warranted for practical considerations. Despite the liquid bridge force is relatively low for centimeter-scale particles, it enhances the mixture's integrity and impedes the segregation, which thus influences the motion. The μ(I) rheology appears to outperform the Voellmy rheology for the granular flows in this work, particularly under weak shear, while the revised Voellmy-type rheology by replacing the velocity-dependent term with its square root can yield somewhat satisfactory results. This work also dives into the correlation between shear rate and earth pressure coefficient in quasi-static granular flows, where the isotropic pressure makes the shear failure surface tilt steeper than the repose angle if the slope tilts exceeding half of the repose angle, triggering self-reinforced basal failure. These findings highlight the mechanical influence of bi-dispersity and liquid bridges on flow behavior and rheology, and may provide valuable insights for future studies on dynamic mechanisms of rock-ice avalanches.
{"title":"Flow behavior and rheology of rock-ice granular mixtures with pendular liquid bridges","authors":"Yuhao Ren , Qingqing Yang , Fei Cai , Zhiman Su","doi":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104860","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104860","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rock-ice avalanches pose increasing threats to global cold mountainous regions, yet their flow mechanisms remain poorly understood. Rock-ice flows were numerically simulated with the discrete element method. Pendular liquid bridges were modelled, considering the capillary force, viscous force, and the volume redistribution during bridge formation and rupture. This work focuses on the flow behavior and rheological characteristics of the rock-ice particle (5–10 cm) flows under dry or slightly wet conditions, and reveals that the <em>μ</em>(<em>I</em>) rheology remains numerically applicable, though more solid experimental evidences are warranted for practical considerations. Despite the liquid bridge force is relatively low for centimeter-scale particles, it enhances the mixture's integrity and impedes the segregation, which thus influences the motion. The <em>μ</em>(<em>I</em>) rheology appears to outperform the Voellmy rheology for the granular flows in this work, particularly under weak shear, while the revised Voellmy-type rheology by replacing the velocity-dependent term with its square root can yield somewhat satisfactory results. This work also dives into the correlation between shear rate and earth pressure coefficient in quasi-static granular flows, where the isotropic pressure makes the shear failure surface tilt steeper than the repose angle if the slope tilts exceeding half of the repose angle, triggering self-reinforced basal failure. These findings highlight the mechanical influence of bi-dispersity and liquid bridges on flow behavior and rheology, and may provide valuable insights for future studies on dynamic mechanisms of rock-ice avalanches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10522,"journal":{"name":"Cold Regions Science and Technology","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 104860"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146172654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-23DOI: 10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104881
Qiankuan Wang , Aiguo Xing , Wenpei Wang , Xiaodong Pei , Xueyong Xu , Ye Zhou , Haoshan Zhang , Bo Wu
Mass movements occur frequently in high mountainous regions worldwide, causing severe casualties, economic losses, and persistent threats to ecosystems and infrastructure. In regions characterized by rugged terrain, sparse population, and limited data, early identification and precise monitoring of mass movements remain central challenges. Seismic signals have recently been widely used for mass-movement detection and dynamics inversion due to their capability for continuous and remote monitoring. However, conventional seismic analyses effectively capture high-amplitude, high-frequency signals during the main hazard stage, but remain limited in detecting low-amplitude, low-frequency precursor and initiation signals, which often overlap with ambient noise and exhibit low signal-to-noise ratios. To address this, we propose a multi-parameter seismic metric (MSM) that quantifies instantaneous signal intensity, short-term energy, and cumulative energy trends, enabling efficient detection and classification of continuous seismic signals from mass movements. Time-frequency analysis of the 2018 Nayong rock avalanche, validated by UAV-based optical-flow measurements, demonstrates that MSM effectively detects and classifies seismic events from fragmented rock collapses, reliably identifying the main avalanche, local failures, and precursor signals. Compared with short-term/long-term average (STA/LTA) and Benford's law, MSM maintains high sensitivity during low-amplitude, low-energy stages. Analysis of the Blatten event shows that MSM effectively detects and classifies ice-rock avalanches, although the composition and integrity of the ice-rock mass influence seismic spectra and energy distribution, reducing sensitivity during ultra-low-frequency initiation. The optimized MSM, combined with Benford's law, improves detection at this stage. MSM provides a robust and sensitive framework for detecting and classifying main events and precursors of rock and ice-rock avalanches, offering potential support for early warning and risk assessment of mass movements.
{"title":"Multi-parameter seismic metrics for detection and classification of rock and ice-rock avalanches","authors":"Qiankuan Wang , Aiguo Xing , Wenpei Wang , Xiaodong Pei , Xueyong Xu , Ye Zhou , Haoshan Zhang , Bo Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104881","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104881","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mass movements occur frequently in high mountainous regions worldwide, causing severe casualties, economic losses, and persistent threats to ecosystems and infrastructure. In regions characterized by rugged terrain, sparse population, and limited data, early identification and precise monitoring of mass movements remain central challenges. Seismic signals have recently been widely used for mass-movement detection and dynamics inversion due to their capability for continuous and remote monitoring. However, conventional seismic analyses effectively capture high-amplitude, high-frequency signals during the main hazard stage, but remain limited in detecting low-amplitude, low-frequency precursor and initiation signals, which often overlap with ambient noise and exhibit low signal-to-noise ratios. To address this, we propose a multi-parameter seismic metric (MSM) that quantifies instantaneous signal intensity, short-term energy, and cumulative energy trends, enabling efficient detection and classification of continuous seismic signals from mass movements. Time-frequency analysis of the 2018 Nayong rock avalanche, validated by UAV-based optical-flow measurements, demonstrates that MSM effectively detects and classifies seismic events from fragmented rock collapses, reliably identifying the main avalanche, local failures, and precursor signals. Compared with short-term/long-term average (STA/LTA) and Benford's law, MSM maintains high sensitivity during low-amplitude, low-energy stages. Analysis of the Blatten event shows that MSM effectively detects and classifies ice-rock avalanches, although the composition and integrity of the ice-rock mass influence seismic spectra and energy distribution, reducing sensitivity during ultra-low-frequency initiation. The optimized MSM, combined with Benford's law, improves detection at this stage. MSM provides a robust and sensitive framework for detecting and classifying main events and precursors of rock and ice-rock avalanches, offering potential support for early warning and risk assessment of mass movements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10522,"journal":{"name":"Cold Regions Science and Technology","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 104881"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147386013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104854
K. Roghangar, J.L. Hayley
Permafrost degradation due to climate change presents a significant geohazard to Arctic transportation infrastructure, introducing high uncertainty in soil behavior and thermal response. This study introduces a Python interface integrated with the thermal modelling software TEMP/W to conduct Monte Carlo simulations for probabilistic thaw settlement assessment. Serviceability is evaluated based on International Roughness Index (IRI) thresholds, and an optimization module identifies site-specific grading intervals. Applied to 10 sites along the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH), results reveal spatial variability in thaw behavior, with thinner embankments showing greater settlement variability due to soil heterogeneity. The methodology quantifies the hazard component of geotechnical risk, providing a framework for risk-informed maintenance and reliability-based design of infrastructure on degrading permafrost.
{"title":"Probabilistic analysis of thaw settlement and serviceability in Arctic embankments: A case study on the ITH","authors":"K. Roghangar, J.L. Hayley","doi":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104854","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104854","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Permafrost degradation due to climate change presents a significant geohazard to Arctic transportation infrastructure, introducing high uncertainty in soil behavior and thermal response. This study introduces a Python interface integrated with the thermal modelling software TEMP/W to conduct Monte Carlo simulations for probabilistic thaw settlement assessment. Serviceability is evaluated based on International Roughness Index (IRI) thresholds, and an optimization module identifies site-specific grading intervals. Applied to 10 sites along the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH), results reveal spatial variability in thaw behavior, with thinner embankments showing greater settlement variability due to soil heterogeneity. The methodology quantifies the hazard component of geotechnical risk, providing a framework for risk-informed maintenance and reliability-based design of infrastructure on degrading permafrost.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10522,"journal":{"name":"Cold Regions Science and Technology","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 104854"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146172748","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-17DOI: 10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104862
Yunfei Ding , Zhengguo Zhu , Chenxiao Song , Yongquan Zhu , Longchao Chen , Hao Zhu , Zhiming Han
High-speed railway tunnels in cold regions are susceptible to severe frost damage, with their internal temperature field evolution significantly affected by the aerodynamic effects induced by train operation. In this study, a CFD dynamic mesh approach is employed to elucidate the coupled evolution mechanisms between transient aerodynamic loads and the tunnel temperature field in cold environments. The study clarifies that pressure waves generated by train operation exert a notable regulatory effect on the three-dimensional spatial distribution of train-induced airflow. A nonlinear relationship is observed between train speed and aerodynamic intensity. Additionally, the evolution of this airflow is delineated by a piecewise function, dividing it into a pressure-wave-dominated phase and a residual-wind attenuation phase, while a dynamic modulation function is introduced to accurately capture the velocity oscillations induced by Mach waves. Based on static temperature field simulations, in conjunction with train frequency and external air temperature, a correction coefficient is proposed to adjust the anti-freeze insulation length for tunnels under the influence of train-induced airflow. The findings of this study provide theoretical support and technical guidance for frost resistance design of high-speed railway tunnels in cold regions.
{"title":"Transient aerodynamic loads and spatiotemporal evolution of the temperature field in cold-region high-speed railway tunnels","authors":"Yunfei Ding , Zhengguo Zhu , Chenxiao Song , Yongquan Zhu , Longchao Chen , Hao Zhu , Zhiming Han","doi":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104862","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104862","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>High-speed railway tunnels in cold regions are susceptible to severe frost damage, with their internal temperature field evolution significantly affected by the aerodynamic effects induced by train operation. In this study, a CFD dynamic mesh approach is employed to elucidate the coupled evolution mechanisms between transient aerodynamic loads and the tunnel temperature field in cold environments. The study clarifies that pressure waves generated by train operation exert a notable regulatory effect on the three-dimensional spatial distribution of train-induced airflow. A nonlinear relationship is observed between train speed and aerodynamic intensity. Additionally, the evolution of this airflow is delineated by a piecewise function, dividing it into a pressure-wave-dominated phase and a residual-wind attenuation phase, while a dynamic modulation function is introduced to accurately capture the velocity oscillations induced by Mach waves. Based on static temperature field simulations, in conjunction with train frequency and external air temperature, a correction coefficient is proposed to adjust the anti-freeze insulation length for tunnels under the influence of train-induced airflow. The findings of this study provide theoretical support and technical guidance for frost resistance design of high-speed railway tunnels in cold regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10522,"journal":{"name":"Cold Regions Science and Technology","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 104862"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147386005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-01-25DOI: 10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104846
Haoyu Wang , Yaze Liu , Changchun Bao , Ge Kai , Hexi Baoyin
The freezing phenomenon of wind turbine blades seriously affects the stability and structural safety of wind turbines. The icing simulation and experiment of the whole machine can more truly reflect the actual icing situation. In this paper, finite element simulation and integrated wind tunnel icing experiment are used to calculate the water film flow field characteristics around the wind turbine, the motion characteristics and impact of water droplets on the surface of the wind turbine blade. The results show that the ice position on the blades is basically fixed; The droplet collection efficiency of the roots and tips can reach 0.78, and the maximum ice thickness is 0.0045 m. The chordwise freezing position is concentrated on the windward side near the trailing edge, and the ice is parallel to the airfoil. Temperature and liquid water content (LWC) have a significant effect on the rate of icing, especially LWC. When the LWC is lower than 0.5 g/m3, the turbine freezing is limited, and the icing thickness and weight of the blades increase linearly with time. This study has obtained the distribution law of icing positions on wind turbine blades under running conditions, quantified the effects of liquid water content (LWC) and temperature on icing rate, ice thickness, and ice shape, verified the accuracy of the icing simulation method for running blades, and provided data support for the anti-icing technologies of wind turbines in cold regions.
{"title":"Experimental and numerical study on icing characteristics of integrated wind turbines under operating conditions","authors":"Haoyu Wang , Yaze Liu , Changchun Bao , Ge Kai , Hexi Baoyin","doi":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104846","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104846","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The freezing phenomenon of wind turbine blades seriously affects the stability and structural safety of wind turbines. The icing simulation and experiment of the whole machine can more truly reflect the actual icing situation. In this paper, finite element simulation and integrated wind tunnel icing experiment are used to calculate the water film flow field characteristics around the wind turbine, the motion characteristics and impact of water droplets on the surface of the wind turbine blade. The results show that the ice position on the blades is basically fixed; The droplet collection efficiency of the roots and tips can reach 0.78, and the maximum ice thickness is 0.0045 m. The chordwise freezing position is concentrated on the windward side near the trailing edge, and the ice is parallel to the airfoil. Temperature and liquid water content (LWC) have a significant effect on the rate of icing, especially LWC. When the LWC is lower than 0.5 g/m<sup>3</sup>, the turbine freezing is limited, and the icing thickness and weight of the blades increase linearly with time. This study has obtained the distribution law of icing positions on wind turbine blades under running conditions, quantified the effects of liquid water content (LWC) and temperature on icing rate, ice thickness, and ice shape, verified the accuracy of the icing simulation method for running blades, and provided data support for the anti-icing technologies of wind turbines in cold regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10522,"journal":{"name":"Cold Regions Science and Technology","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 104846"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147386038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-04DOI: 10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104850
Zahra Motamedi, Hans Mattsson
Accumulated snow in road ditches significantly influences the thermal regime of road embankments during the winter season. Understanding the insulating effect of this snow cover is essential to accurately assess the thermal behavior of the road structure. However, snow in road ditches differs from naturally accumulated snow due to the presence of traffic-related contaminants and traction materials introduced during winter road maintenance. A field experiment was conducted in Luleå, northern Sweden, to evaluate the insulating properties of the snow accumulated in a ditch. This study mathematically investigates the thermal conductivity, a key parameter for assessing snow insulation, and the unfrozen water content over a 49-day period, based on in situ temperature and density measurements from the experimental site. The findings reveal that the minimum snow density occurs between the soil–snow interface and approximately 15 cm above it. Although this layer has the lowest density, it did not exhibit the lowest thermal conductivity. This basal layer experienced partial melting, contained an unfrozen water content of about 3.5%, and remained isothermal around 0 °C for most of the observation period. In the upper part of the snowpack, thermal conductivity exhibited greater variability, reflecting the enhanced influence of atmospheric conditions near the snow–air interface. The estimated thermal conductivity ranged from approximately 0.05 to 0.20 when the snow temperature was below the melting point, and from 1 to 1.2 when the snow was at or above 0 °C. In addition, this study proposes an empirical formulation for estimating the thermal conductivity of ditch snow from the soil–snow interface up to approximately 75 cm above it. The formulation provides reliable results under climatic conditions similar to those of the study site and can support evaluations of snow insulation in cold-region road ditches. However, formulating an empirical relation for the unfrozen water content was challenging, as the snow experiences altering metamorphic states at different depths, resulting in varying behavior. These findings contribute to the understanding of road structure design in cold regions by incorporating the thermal behavior of snow and guiding snow management strategies to improve embankment durability.
{"title":"Evaluating the thermal regime and unfrozen water content of snow accumulated in road ditches: A case study from northern Sweden","authors":"Zahra Motamedi, Hans Mattsson","doi":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104850","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2026.104850","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accumulated snow in road ditches significantly influences the thermal regime of road embankments during the winter season. Understanding the insulating effect of this snow cover is essential to accurately assess the thermal behavior of the road structure. However, snow in road ditches differs from naturally accumulated snow due to the presence of traffic-related contaminants and traction materials introduced during winter road maintenance. A field experiment was conducted in Luleå, northern Sweden, to evaluate the insulating properties of the snow accumulated in a ditch. This study mathematically investigates the thermal conductivity, a key parameter for assessing snow insulation, and the unfrozen water content over a 49-day period, based on in situ temperature and density measurements from the experimental site. The findings reveal that the minimum snow density occurs between the soil–snow interface and approximately 15 cm above it. Although this layer has the lowest density, it did not exhibit the lowest thermal conductivity. This basal layer experienced partial melting, contained an unfrozen water content of about 3.5%, and remained isothermal around 0 °C for most of the observation period. In the upper part of the snowpack, thermal conductivity exhibited greater variability, reflecting the enhanced influence of atmospheric conditions near the snow–air interface. The estimated thermal conductivity ranged from approximately 0.05 to 0.20 <span><math><mrow><mi>W</mi><mspace></mspace><msup><mrow><mi>m</mi></mrow><mrow><mo>−</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></msup><mspace></mspace><msup><mrow><mi>K</mi></mrow><mrow><mo>−</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></msup></mrow></math></span> when the snow temperature was below the melting point, and from 1 to 1.2 <span><math><mrow><mi>W</mi><mspace></mspace><msup><mrow><mi>m</mi></mrow><mrow><mo>−</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></msup><mspace></mspace><msup><mrow><mi>K</mi></mrow><mrow><mo>−</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></msup></mrow></math></span> when the snow was at or above 0 °C. In addition, this study proposes an empirical formulation for estimating the thermal conductivity of ditch snow from the soil–snow interface up to approximately 75 cm above it. The formulation provides reliable results under climatic conditions similar to those of the study site and can support evaluations of snow insulation in cold-region road ditches. However, formulating an empirical relation for the unfrozen water content was challenging, as the snow experiences altering metamorphic states at different depths, resulting in varying behavior. These findings contribute to the understanding of road structure design in cold regions by incorporating the thermal behavior of snow and guiding snow management strategies to improve embankment durability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10522,"journal":{"name":"Cold Regions Science and Technology","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 104850"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146172655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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