Study of Temperature Field and Structure Optimization for Runways in Permafrost Regions

Pavement construction in permafrost regions is complicated by the fact that the permafrost properties are influenced by the temperature and are extremely unstable. The numerical model for runway structures in permafrost regions is applied to analyze the time-space characteristics of the temperature field and the depth of the frozen layer. The influence of the installation layer is studied to enable structural optimization of the runway. Numerical results show that the temperature stabilization depth, low- and high-temperature interlayer response ranges, and maximum depth of the frozen layer are greater in runway engineering than in highway and railway engineering. The time history curves for the pavement and natural surface are similar, and the development of freezing and thawing is approximately linear. The pavement and natural surface have similar thawing rates, but the freezing rate of the natural surface is faster than that of the pavement. The depth of the frozen layer and the time of the frozen are greater for the natural surface than for the pavement. The installation layer helps to stabilize the temperature of the subgrade and reduces the freezing and thawing rates. This study provides technical support for the design and maintenance of runways in permafrost regions.