The ArcticXpert software, which can simulate the behavior of building foundations in the permafrost, will be presented at the Ammosov Northeastern Federal University this fall.

Due to climate change, the Arctic ground has begun to thaw. According to researchers, the areas most affected are located beyond the Polar circle: the Murmansk and Arkhangelsk regions, Yakutia, the Nenets Autonomous Area, the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area, Chukotka and Taimyr.  

The software will help forecast threats related to soil mobility due to the thawing permafrost.  

“The software will help builders and geologists make accurate forecasts of the condition of the ground they will build on,” said Sergei Stepanov, head of the university’s laboratory of computing technologies for multiphysical and large-scale process modeling in the cryolithic zone.  

ArcticXpert will factor in the changes in the surface heat exchange, climate change, technology and foundation building timeframe, as well as cooling methods in two-dimensional and three-dimensional modes. It will also calculate the load-bearing capacity of buildings that are built on the permafrost.

The Yakut Research and Design Institute of Construction will be the first to try the new software.