To solve the problem of freezing damage in cold-region tunnels, this study proposed a rubber airbag interlayered composite lining system, and tested its performance of buffering, pressure adjustment, waterproofing, and heat preservation by simulating a low-temperature environment in an artificial freezing chamber. The experiment results show that the frost-heaving force exerted on the lining can always be lower than 1.69 kPa by constantly adjusting the airbag pressure, and the maximum frost-heaving force can reach 28.25 kPa without the airbag. In addition, the airbag also has good waterproof performance. Finally, the airbag can significantly improve the temperature field of the surrounding rock and reduce the freezing depth (6.75 cm < 17.25 cm). The insulation effect of the airbag is positively correlated with its thickness and negatively correlated with the thermal conductivity of the filling gas. The insulation effect of CO2 is better than that of air. The rubber airbag interlayered composite lining system provides a new scheme for freezing damage control in cold-region tunnels.
Keywords: Cold-region tunnels; Composite lining system; Experimental study; Frost protection mechanism; Rubber airbag.
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