Fundamental Concepts for the Rapid Disengagement of Frozen Soil.
Abstract
The report presents the results of Phase I of a three-phase program aimed at the investigation and development of fundamental concepts for the rapid excavation of frozen ground for tunneling and surface excavation. The present phase included a literature survey to identify important permafrost properties, to determine previous methods used, and to uncover useful information in allied fields. A creative effort was then undertaken to generate, in general terms, system concepts for disengaging permafrost, and to tabulate the fundamental physical processes which can be used to implement these concepts. Promising structural fracture processes include: mechanical cutting and breaking processes; material removal by high-speed liquid drop impingement; fracture by internal electrical discharge; internal gas generation by rapid electrical heating at grain boundaries; and controlled explosive loading. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0763198