An Overview of Major Engineering Challenges for Developing Transportation Infrastructure in Northern Canada

• Main Authors: Guy Doré, Eva Stephani, Julie Malenfant Lepage
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: University of Calgary 2022
• Subjects: Political institutions and public administration (General); JF20-2112; Arctic; Canada; Climate change; Ice; permafrost
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.11575/sppp.v15i1.73187; https://doaj.org/article/9f61c166731547bf9ce31b8719c06c6b

The transportation corridor proposed to support the development of northern Canada travels extensively through areas of permafrost. The main concern for sustainably developing infrastructure in permafrost terrain arises from melting the ground ice contained in the frozen soils, which can yield to ground subsidence and other geohazards. Permafrost degradation may be triggered by natural processes or anthropogenic activities; it is compounded with climate change, and its impacts on infrastructure are widespread in the Arctic. Advancing our understanding of permafrost dynamics is critical to minimize impacts from geohazards on infrastructure and detrimental consequences on the surrounding natural environment. Permafrost dynamics involve the interactions between factors from the climate, ground surface and subsurface, and in some instances with anthropogenic activities (e.g., infrastructure). Assemblage of these components forms a permafrost geosystem where interactions and feedback are key to the state of permafrost; this aligns with Aristotle’s concept that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” To comprehend permafrost dynamics and interactions with infrastructure, we must characterize the system components and monitor changes. Using comprehensive and interdisciplinary approaches is important because critical linkages may fall at the intersection of disciplines. Infrastructure construction in the North is challenging in many ways. Construction and material sites are remote, harsh weather conditions are frequent and construction methods and infrastructure maintenance in permafrost-affected soils can be difficult and costly. The most common approach is to build and maintain. This strategy involves allowing permafrost degradation to occur and preserving serviceability by intensive maintenance. It generally results in a reduced level of service, comfort, safety and shorter life cycles. Stabilization techniques are required when loss or low level of service are not acceptable. In the context of climate ...