Probabilistic modeling of frozen soil-pipe interactions using numerical and reliability methods

Frozen clay soils comprise a large portion of permafrost in Canada. Long-term records indicate ongoing global warming has resulted in the thawing of portions of the permafrost area, which leads to the extensive settlement of the ground surface and causing damage to infrastructures. Pipelines are buried below the ground to avoid failure because of the external loads and harsh environmental impact on their stability. The frozen soil-structure interaction is a complex topic due to uncertainties enforce by the harsh environment and frozen soil behavior. There is a need of probabilistic modeling of soil-structure interactions using numerical and reliability methods. The applicant is intended to take this Globalink Research Award opportunity to carry out research related to reliability analysis under the supervision of a host professor in US. To address the aforementioned issues, this study will develop a probabilistic approach to investigate uncertainty propagation during the geotechnical analysis of pipelines in cold regions like Canada. The outcome of the proposed study will be beneficial for researchers, engineers, and stakeholders to minimize the risk of failure or poor infrastructure performance under climate stress.

Faculty Supervisor:

Biao Li

Student:

Partner:

University of Cincinnati

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

Concordia University

Program: