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Sustainable Design of Artificial Ground Freezing Schemes Based on Thermal-Energy Efficiency Analysis

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  • Jun Hu

    (School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
    Marine Science and Technology Collaborative Innovation Center, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China)

  • Hanyu Dang

    (School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
    Marine Science and Technology Collaborative Innovation Center, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China)

  • Ying Nie

    (Kunming Prospecting Design Institute of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Co., Ltd., Kunming 650051, China)

  • Junxin Shi

    (School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
    Marine Science and Technology Collaborative Innovation Center, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China)

  • Zhaokui Sun

    (School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
    Marine Science and Technology Collaborative Innovation Center, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China)

  • Dan Zhou

    (School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
    Marine Science and Technology Collaborative Innovation Center, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China)

  • Yongchang Yang

    (Hainan Institute of Hydrological and Geological Engineering Exploration, Haikou 571100, China)

Abstract

To enhance the design and construction efficiency of artificial ground freezing (AGF) in water-rich sandy strata, this study takes the No. 2 cross-passage of Zhengzhou Metro Line 8 as a case study and conducts an integrated analysis combining field monitoring and numerical simulation. During the freezing process, a sensor network was deployed to capture real-time data on temperature distribution and pore water pressure evolution. Based on the collected measurements, a three-dimensional hydrothermal coupled model was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.1 and validated against field data. The results demonstrate a distinct multi-stage evolution in the formation of the frozen curtain, with the highest heat exchange rate observed at the initial phase. Under a 50-day freezing schedule, increasing the average coolant temperature by 4 °C still yielded a frozen wall that meets the design thickness requirement. Additionally, several cost-effective freezing schemes were explored to accommodate varying construction timelines. This study supports sustainable urban infrastructure development by minimizing energy consumption during artificial ground freezing (AGF) processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Jun Hu & Hanyu Dang & Ying Nie & Junxin Shi & Zhaokui Sun & Dan Zhou & Yongchang Yang, 2025. "Sustainable Design of Artificial Ground Freezing Schemes Based on Thermal-Energy Efficiency Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-28, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:22:p:10143-:d:1793596
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