Evaluation of a laboratory model test using field measurements of frost penetration in railway tunnels

Despite extensive grouting efforts to prevent water from leaking into tunnels, seepages remain. When exposed freezing temperatures, ice formations occur. During the winter, Swedish Transport Administration's railway tunnels are affected by major problems caused ice, such as icicles roof and walls, loads on installations, ice-covered tracks roads, etc. To ensure safety traffic disruptions, many require maintenance. Improved knowledge about frost penetration in is required reduce maintenance of tunnels. Frost insulated drain mats often used at leakage spots formation along find out which parts a tunnel University Gävle Royal Institute Technology Stockholm conducted laboratory model test behalf National Rail Administration (now Administration). The aimed method determine expected temperature conditions decide insulation protect drainage system formation. evaluate test, collaboration with Luleå have performed field surveys two measurements involved monitoring temperatures air, rock surfaces mass, well measuring wind direction, air velocity pressure. show that penetrates further than was based completely uninsulated tunnel. drains do not only cold reaching but also emitting geothermal heat warms up air. Consequently, it would if mass allowed warm outside its way number how much walls covered thereby affect length penetration.