Permafrost Studies in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau for Road Construction

Abstract

Advances have been made in engineering–geological studies of roadbeds in permafrost areas of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The methodology used in engineering–geologic investigations has been greatly improved and provisions and regulations have been devised to guide engineering activities. Special attention has been paid to ground temperature and ice content because they are two of the most important and unique parameters for permafrost. Based on the data collected from recent studies, recommendations are made to enhance the stability of roadbeds. Under climate warming, a “roadbed cooling” approach is suggested for road constructions in “warm” permafrost. Advances have been also made in the prediction of changes in the permafrost engineering–geological environment, as induced by climate warming.