Thermal stability analysis of different type embankments in permafrost regions

Temperature field under highway embankment were studied respectively for concrete pavements and asphalt pavements by finite element method against the presences of large amounts of occurrent pavement diseases in permafrost region.The results of numerical analysis indicate that the maximum thawed depth under embankment of asphalt pavements is greater than the one of concrete pavements;and especially the maximum thawed depth differences between asphalt pavement and concrete pavement become greater under pavements for the embankment of 8.5m width.Both the maximum thawed depth and development rate of the maximum thawed depth are closely relevant to embankment heights and embankment widths.The effective measurements will be proposed to keep the thermal stabilities of highway embankment by the results and cut down the occurrences of pavement diseases and services costs.The results may also provide references for the future similar projects.