Three-Dimensional Refined Numerical Modeling of Artificial Ground Freezing in Metro Cross-Passage Construction: Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Analysis and Field Validation
The artificial ground freezing method (AGF) is widely used in underground construction to reinforce the ground and ensure construction safety. This study systematically evaluates the implementation of the artificial ground freezing method in the construction of a metro tunnel cross-passage, with a f...
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| author | Qingzi Luo Junsheng Li Wei Huang Wanying Wang Bingxiang Yuan |
| author_facet | Qingzi Luo Junsheng Li Wei Huang Wanying Wang Bingxiang Yuan |
| author_sort | Qingzi Luo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The artificial ground freezing method (AGF) is widely used in underground construction to reinforce the ground and ensure construction safety. This study systematically evaluates the implementation of the artificial ground freezing method in the construction of a metro tunnel cross-passage, with a focus on analyzing the soil’s thermo-mechanical behavior and assessing safety performance throughout the construction process. A combined approach integrating field monitoring and refined three-dimensional numerical simulation using FLAC3D is adopted, considering critical factors, such as freezing pipe inclination, thermo-mechanical coupling, and ice–water phase transitions. Both field data and simulation results demonstrate that increasing the density of freezing pipes accelerates temperature reduction and intensifies frost heave-induced displacements near the pipes. After 45 days of active freezing, the freezing curtain reaches a thickness of 3.7 m with an average temperature below −10 °C. Extending the freezing duration beyond this period yields negligible improvement in curtain performance. Frost heave deformation develops rapidly during the initial phase and stabilizes after approximately 25 days, with maximum vertical displacements reaching 12 cm. Significant stress concentrations occur in the soil adjacent to the freezing pipes, with shield tunnel segments experiencing up to 5 MPa of stress. Thaw settlement is primarily concentrated in areas previously affected by frost heave, with a maximum settlement of 3 cm. Even after 45 days of natural thawing, a frozen curtain approximately 3.3 m thick remains intact, maintaining sufficient structural strength. The refined numerical model accurately captures the mechanical response of soil during the freezing and thawing processes under realistic engineering conditions, with field monitoring data validating its effectiveness. This research provides valuable guidance for managing construction risks and ensuring safety in similar cross-passage and cross-river tunnel projects, with broader implications for underground engineering requiring precise control of frost heave and thaw settlement. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-76aff22f60dc4a948bfba427c9e2ed05 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2075-5309 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
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| series | Buildings |
| spelling | doaj-art-76aff22f60dc4a948bfba427c9e2ed052025-08-20T03:17:52ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-07-011513235610.3390/buildings15132356Three-Dimensional Refined Numerical Modeling of Artificial Ground Freezing in Metro Cross-Passage Construction: Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Analysis and Field ValidationQingzi Luo0Junsheng Li1Wei Huang2Wanying Wang3Bingxiang Yuan4School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaSchool of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaSchool of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaSchool of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaSchool of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaThe artificial ground freezing method (AGF) is widely used in underground construction to reinforce the ground and ensure construction safety. This study systematically evaluates the implementation of the artificial ground freezing method in the construction of a metro tunnel cross-passage, with a focus on analyzing the soil’s thermo-mechanical behavior and assessing safety performance throughout the construction process. A combined approach integrating field monitoring and refined three-dimensional numerical simulation using FLAC3D is adopted, considering critical factors, such as freezing pipe inclination, thermo-mechanical coupling, and ice–water phase transitions. Both field data and simulation results demonstrate that increasing the density of freezing pipes accelerates temperature reduction and intensifies frost heave-induced displacements near the pipes. After 45 days of active freezing, the freezing curtain reaches a thickness of 3.7 m with an average temperature below −10 °C. Extending the freezing duration beyond this period yields negligible improvement in curtain performance. Frost heave deformation develops rapidly during the initial phase and stabilizes after approximately 25 days, with maximum vertical displacements reaching 12 cm. Significant stress concentrations occur in the soil adjacent to the freezing pipes, with shield tunnel segments experiencing up to 5 MPa of stress. Thaw settlement is primarily concentrated in areas previously affected by frost heave, with a maximum settlement of 3 cm. Even after 45 days of natural thawing, a frozen curtain approximately 3.3 m thick remains intact, maintaining sufficient structural strength. The refined numerical model accurately captures the mechanical response of soil during the freezing and thawing processes under realistic engineering conditions, with field monitoring data validating its effectiveness. This research provides valuable guidance for managing construction risks and ensuring safety in similar cross-passage and cross-river tunnel projects, with broader implications for underground engineering requiring precise control of frost heave and thaw settlement.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/13/2356artificial freezing methodfield monitoringfine numerical simulationtemperature distributionfreezing and thawing deformation |
| spellingShingle | Qingzi Luo Junsheng Li Wei Huang Wanying Wang Bingxiang Yuan Three-Dimensional Refined Numerical Modeling of Artificial Ground Freezing in Metro Cross-Passage Construction: Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Analysis and Field Validation Buildings artificial freezing method field monitoring fine numerical simulation temperature distribution freezing and thawing deformation |
| title | Three-Dimensional Refined Numerical Modeling of Artificial Ground Freezing in Metro Cross-Passage Construction: Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Analysis and Field Validation |
| title_full | Three-Dimensional Refined Numerical Modeling of Artificial Ground Freezing in Metro Cross-Passage Construction: Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Analysis and Field Validation |
| title_fullStr | Three-Dimensional Refined Numerical Modeling of Artificial Ground Freezing in Metro Cross-Passage Construction: Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Analysis and Field Validation |
| title_full_unstemmed | Three-Dimensional Refined Numerical Modeling of Artificial Ground Freezing in Metro Cross-Passage Construction: Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Analysis and Field Validation |
| title_short | Three-Dimensional Refined Numerical Modeling of Artificial Ground Freezing in Metro Cross-Passage Construction: Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Analysis and Field Validation |
| title_sort | three dimensional refined numerical modeling of artificial ground freezing in metro cross passage construction thermo mechanical coupling analysis and field validation |
| topic | artificial freezing method field monitoring fine numerical simulation temperature distribution freezing and thawing deformation |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/13/2356 |
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