Infrastructure

Performances of Civil Infrastructure under Degrading Permafrost and Permafrost Coastal Erosion

Ming Xiao, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Penn State University

Xiong Zhang, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology

We will develop a civil infrastructure hazards map under the present conditions and future effects of permafrost degradation and coastal land loss in the Alaska North Slope Borough. To achieve this goal, we will first investigate the fundamental mechanisms of the effects of permafrost degradation on geomechanical properties, so that we can study and understand the foundation performances for civil infrastructures under permafrost degradation. A location-based infrastructure serviceability index will be used to quantify foundation’s performances. Such index will consider the effects of bearing capacity, settlement, and permafrost coastal erosion and flooding.

We will share more outcomes as the project progresses.