Stabilization of railway structures on permafrost of the Northern Latitudinal Railway and the Arctic
https://doi.org/10.31660/2782-232X-2026-1-77-90
EDN: juukoq
Abstract
Persistent temperatures increasers in Arctic regions, particularly near coastal infrastructure, are causing permafrost thaw and significantly increasing operational risks. The reduction in foundation bearing capacity with even a slight soil temperature increase of a few degrees Celsius is particularly dangerous, potentially leading to deformations and accidents. Research indicates that an increase from –3 to –0.3 °C in permafrost temperature can reduce pile bearing capacity fivefold. This underscores the necessity for development and implementing preventive measures to reinforce the foundations of buildings and structures in permafrost zones. Analysis of historical data, including average annual temperatures from various weather stations, revealed that global warming in the Northern region commenced in the mid-1970s. From 2015 to 2025, average annual temperatures have risen to record levels. In addition to rising temperatures, there has been an increase in the amount and intensity of precipitation, particularly snowfall, leading to increased snow cover and posing challenges to the operation of transport and infrastructure systems. An analysis of construction and technological solutions historically applied to transport infrastructure in permafrost zones has revealed a need for new technologies and adaptive measures to ensure the safe operation of infrastructure amidst accelerating Arctic climate change.
About the Authors
I. I. Gavrilov
Network Permafrost Station of JSC Russian Railways
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Igor I. Gavrilov - Head of the Network Permafrost Station of JSC Russian Railways.
Tynda, 3B Merzlotnaya St., 676282
S. A. Kudryavtsev
Far Eastern State Transport University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sergey A. Kudryavtsev - Dr. Sci. (Engineering), Professor, Head of the Department of Bridges, Tunnels and Underground Structures, Far Eastern State Transport University.
Khabarovsk, 47 Serysheva St., 680021
V. N. Paramonov
Emperor Alexander I St. Petersburg State Transport University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Vladimir N. Paramonov - Dr. Sci. (Engineering), Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Bases and Foundations, Emperor Alexander I St. Petersburg State Transport University.
Saint Petersburg, 9 Moskovsky Avenue, 190031
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Review
For citations:
Gavrilov I.I., Kudryavtsev S.A., Paramonov V.N. Stabilization of railway structures on permafrost of the Northern Latitudinal Railway and the Arctic. Architecture, Construction, Transport. 2026;6(1):77-90. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31660/2782-232X-2026-1-77-90. EDN: juukoq
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