Ground Freezing in a Congested Urban Area

by Paul C. Schmall, P.E., Ph.D., (F.ASCE), Vice President, Chief Engineer; Moretrench, pschmall@mtac.com,
Joseph A. Sopko, P.E., Ph.D., (M.ASCE), Director of Ground Freezing; Moretrench, jasopko@mtac.com,


Serial Information: Geo-Strata —Geo Institute of ASCE, 2014, Vol. 18, Issue 3, Pg. 28-32


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

Artificial ground freezing is a method of providing temporary earth support and ground water control for deep excavations and tunnels. The technique has been used for over 100 years in the mining and civil tunneling industries. Case histories regarding the design, installation, and operation of freezing systems for shafts and tunnels are well documented, but little has been said about the constraints and difficulties encountered when ground freezing is required in heavily congested urban areas with adjacent structures, utilities, surface streets, and pedestrian traffic.

Subject Headings: Frozen soils | Urban areas | Tunnels | Traffic congestion | Case studies | Utilities | Tunneling

 

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