Distress Characteristics in Embankment-Bridge Transition Section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in Permafrost Regions

Abstract The Qinghai-Tibet Railway has been operating safely for 16 years in the permafrost zone and railroad subgrade is generally stable by adopting cooling roadbed techniques. However, settlement caused degradation of embankment-bridge transition sections (EBTS) one most representative severe distresses. A field survey on 440 bridges (including 880 EBTSs) was carried out employing terrestrial laser scanning ground-penetrating radar comprehensively assessing all EBTSs zone. results show that types distresses were differential settlement, upheaval mounds protection-cone slopes, subsidence surface cracks protection cones longitudinal transverse dislocation wing walls. occurrence rates these 78.93, 3.47, 11.56, 3.36, 21.18 4.56%, respectively. serious problem average amount (ADSA) 15.3 cm. Furthermore, relationships between 11 influencing factors examined. indicate ADSA greater northern side a bridge than southern sunny slope shady slope. It also high-temperature region low-temperature high-ice content area low-ice area. are more influenced ice ground temperature. increases when embankment height increases, particle size soil decreases vegetation cover decreases.