Analysis of the impact of the foundation reinforcement technology using vertical crushed stone columns on the freeze-thaw processes of permafrost soils in railway subgrade foundation

Introduction. In regions characterized by permafrost soils, the construction of transport infrastructure facilities presents a complex yet critically important challenge: ensuring the stability and operational reliability of foundations for transport structures. The complexity of construction in cryolithozone regions is attributable to the difficulty in predicting the behavior of permafrost soils and assessing the impact of various natural factors and the constructed facility itself on their condition. Methods and Materials. In the development of transport infrastructure in regions characterized by the distribution of permafrost soils, a systematic approach to selecting constructive and technological solutions aimed at ensuring the operational reliability of foundations for transport structures is of critical importance. Key factors in the selection of such solutions include the forecasting of deformation processes in foundations and the development of measures for stabilization and thermal stabilization of soil conditions. The proposed constructive and technological solutions should not only exert a favorable influence on the physical and mechanical characteristics of the soil mass but also demonstrate economic feasibility. Results and Discussion. The article addresses the issues of ensuring the stability and operational reliability of the railway subgrade on a section of the Trans-Baikal Railway located within the permafrost soils distribution zone. The authors propose a constructive and technological solution (hereinafter referred to as CTS) involving the installation of vertical crushed stone columns for reinforcing foundation soils. This technology can be classified under nanotechnologies in construction, as its application contributes to the enhancement of the engineering properties of permafrost soils. A distinctive feature of the considered section is the presence of permafrost soils in the foundation of the railway embankment. Therefore, this study presents modeling of thermophysical processes in soils and evaluates the impact of the transport infrastructure facility-represented by the railway embankment-both with the application of the foundation reinforcement technology using vertical crushed stone columns in the cryolithozone and without this CTS, on a natural foundation. An analysis of the obtained results is provided. Conclusion. The results of the work demonstrate the feasibility of applying foundation soil reinforcement technology using vertical crushed stone columns in regions characterized by the distribution of permafrost soils.