The significance, the key technical problems and the mechanical problems of Qinghai-Tibetan Railway

Considering the highest altitude, the severely natural environment and the complex geological conditions of Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, recalling about the present research on frozen soil and the history of Qinghai-Tibetan Railway, the article explain the specialty, complexity and feasibility of Qinghai-Tibetan Railway as well as its significance in West Development of China. The article discussed the key technical problems of subgrade engineering, bridge engineering and tunnel engineering. Thus gave clearly understanding on the aims and focuses of different tests and researches. These tests and researches provide a foundation for different technology or engineering measure to apply in Qinghai-Tibetan Railway. According to the research task of Lanzhou Jiaotong University, the mechanical character and principle of part of structure shape were discussed under permafrost condition and the difficulty and specialty were compared at the same time. These analyses are useful for further research. In a word, through the operations of Qinghai-Tibetan Highway over past decades and the construction of Qinghai-Tibetan Railway in recent three years. The three key technical problems are mainly concentrated on frozen soil. The real research about frozen soil would be a long and tough process.