Numerical study on the effect of frost heave prevention with different canal lining structures in seasonally frozen ground regions

Frost heave damage problems in canal linings are a common phenomenon in seasonally frozen ground regions. These problems are regarded as interactions between heat transport and moisture flow processes. To research the influence of frost heave prevention in two types of canal structures in the Ningxia irrigation district of China, a two-dimensional coupled heat transport and moisture flow model was used to analyze temperature characteristics in the traditional canal lining structure and a new type of canal lining structure for frost heave prevention. The simulated results from this numerical model are in agreement with in situ temperature measurements for both canal lining structures. The in situ measurement results show that the new canal lining structure exhibits low seepage, low thermal conductivity, quick drainage speed and less uneven deformation. Therefore, this new canal lining structure is a good choice for frost heave prevention in seasonally frozen ground regions.

► A new-type structure to prevent frost heave of canal lining in seasonal regions. ► A two-dimensional coupled of heat transport and water flows model is presented. ► A new-type structure of canal lining has excellent heat resistant property. ► A new-type structure of canal lining has little uneven deformation.