INFLUENCE OF SEVERE CLIMATE ON TRANSPORT FACILITIES AND METHODS OF THEIR PROTECTION
The construction of transport facilities in the northern regions is complicated by the characteristics of the severe climate, which is confirmed by the practice of erection and operation of facilities. In the article a review of the accumulated experience and an analysis of the problems that have arisen in the construction of roads and tunnel structures are given. Negative manifestations of severe climate and effects of its impact on facilities are indicated. Examples of the main damage to structural elements under the influence of dangerous natural processes are given. Particular attention is paid to frost soil heaving. Existing methods of protecting structures from these phenomena are considered. It is concluded that the experience of designing, constructing and operating facilities in cold regions has not been fully studied, characteristic defects have not been generalized, and protection methods have not been sufficiently developed. In the paper the existing methods of protection are analyzed and systematized according to two main approaches. A new method of protection is proposed, based on neutralizing the forces of frost heaving at the expense of the elements of the structure itself without involving additional measures. The method involves the use of piles of a special shape. The conducted research will allow increasing the safety level of structures in severe climatic conditions, as well as reducing the cost of design, construction and operation through the use of special structures.