Numerical simulation of the temperature fields in the shielding walls of frozen soil with multi-circle-pipe freezing in shaft sinking

Abstract

In this study, the temperature fields of frozen soil wall were calculated by using numerical method, and were analyzed after the soil was actively frozen with different freezing time. The results showed that the temperature field evolved from the freezing pipes, and then formed into frozen soil cylinders. After a certain freezing duration, the cylinders of frozen soil began to connect, and frozen soil walls started to form. At initial freezing stage, the thickness of frozen soil wall was mainly determined by the freezing pipes of the inner two circles. Then, connections were found to have occurred between the inner and outer frozen soil walls. Finally, the temperature fields of the unfrozen and frozen soils reached a state of stability. The results also showed that it was feasible to use numerical method to simulate the temperature fields of frozen soil walls during shaft sinking process, and potentially provided important references for the design and construction of deep alluvium shaft.