Experimental and numerical investigations on novel assembled channel lining applied to seasonally frozen ground regions

Abstract

The damage of channel lining under frost heave action has seriously affected its long-term effective service performance. In this study, a laboratory experiment was carried out under freeze-thaw cycles. The effectiveness of the anti-frost heave performance of the novel assembled channel lining was verified by comparison analysis of the subsoil hydro-thermal characteristics and the deformation tendency of the lining with that of the normal channel. Then, a thermal-hydro-mechanical model was established to numerically study the long-term performance of the novel assembled channel lining on the basis of laboratory test verification. Results revealed that the subsoil freeze-thaw characteristics in different positions have obvious temporal-spatial differences with air temperature variation. The long-term reverse deformation of the linings between slope toe and bottom center is the main cause for the bottom lining failure of the normal channel. The synergistic deformability of assembled channel lining makes it always maintain a good integrity in the process of freeze-thaw, and effectively improving the long-term service performance of the channel. As a preliminary study of channel lining, the conclusions can provide reference for the design, maintenance and further research of channel lining in cold regions in the future.