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Mechanical Response of Road Embankments Built on Permafrost located at Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway

Abstract

Road construction on permafrost typically involves using thick granular embankments to provide thermal and mechanical protection for the subgrade. A proper structural design is one of the most important factors to minimize the mechanical impact of roads on permafrost. Additionally, seasonal variability plays a vital role in this regard. This study was conducted as a test section along the Inuvik–Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH) by embedding several thermal, moisture, pressure cell, and deformation sensors at different depths and distances in a single location. The instrumentation was done in 2019, and the data was recorded continuously until 2024 for analysis. These results were the outcome of six site visits during two different years, with the goal of recording the properties of the embankment and soil under frost, settlement, and heave conditions. During each site visit, a loaded dump truck was driven over the test section under controlled conditions to record data. The truck was driven at three different speeds (5 km/hr, 15 km/hr, and 25 km/hr) on the centerline of the sensors. Additionally, other testing, such as the Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD), was conducted for further analysis. The results of this research show an increase in permafrost degradation and growth of the active layer, based on the mechanical responses from the embankment and soil. The LWD test shows an improved modulus at the surface of the road, in contrast to a decrease in strength in the deeper layers. The changes in climatic/environmental conditions are also impacting the moisture and temperature in the permafrost region due to increasing temperatures.

Conference Paper Details

Session title:
Advancements in Testing, Modelling and Innovation for Roadway/Embankment Materials and Geotechnical Engineering
Author(s):
Kamran, Farshad
Castilla Duarte, Eileen Catalina
Dumais, Simon
Doré, Guy
Bilodeau, Jean-Pascal
Topics:
Soils and materials (IAM)
Year:
2025