Ground Improvement by the Freezing Method for Underground Space Utilization

Alireza Afshani Mehrabad, Hirokazu Akaki

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review


    In underground spaces under high water pressure, the need to seal the periphery and face of the working environment and establish a stable front is a challenging issue. One method of creating a stable working front and sealing it against underground water pressure is ground freezing. In this study, application of a freezing method for underground space utilization is investigated. A case study related to part of a comprehensive underground expansion project in a Tokyo suburb is considered. Construction includes a junction of a main tunnel with a rampway that connects the underground tunnel route to the ground surface. At this construction site, the segment connecting the main route and rampway needs to be widened. Because of this enlargement and sequence of tasks below the water table, a temporary stable working front and hydraulically waterproof zone are necessary. As an effective method of ground improvement, freezing is used. Ground behavior around the underground expanded periphery and on the greenfield level due to freezing and thawing action is predicted, and a parametric study of the effect of the surrounding soil stiffness on the freezing behavior is conducted. Additionally, the closing time between freezing pipes is also predicted.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)778-786
    Number of pages9
    JournalUnknown Journal
    Issue number271 GSP
    Publication statusPublished - 2016

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Civil and Structural Engineering
    • Architecture
    • Building and Construction
    • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology


    Dive into the research topics of 'Ground Improvement by the Freezing Method for Underground Space Utilization'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this