Ultrasonic characterization of permafrost using an integrated machine learning poromechanical technique

Civil infrastructure (e.g. roads, embankments, pipelines and buried utilities) is severely impacted by frost action and permafrost conditions in cold regions. With earth’s temperature predicted to increase, the ground ice melts, and the induced soil shift and collapse jeopardize the integrity of infrastructure. Therefore, any remedial measures for excessive soil settlements or new design of infrastructure in permafrost zones affected by climate warming require a reasonable estimation of the amount of ice content within the permafrost (frozen soil).
This project aims at developing a robust NDT technique to determine the characteristics of permanent or seasonal frozen soils. This technique can be used in the laboratory or in the field for an instant and accurate measurement.

Faculty Supervisor:

Pooneh Maghoul

Student:

Hongwei Liu

Partner:

GeoNDT Inc

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Manitoba