In cold regions, the soil temperature gradient and depth of frost penetration can significantly affect roadway performance because of frost heave and thaw settlement of the subgrade soils. The severity of the damage depends on the soil index properties, temperature, and availability of water. While nominal expansion occurs with the phase change from pore water to ice, heaving is derived primarily from a continuous flow of water from the vadose zone to growing ice lenses. The temperature gradient within the soil influences water migration toward the freezing front, where ice nucleates, coalesces into lenses, and grows. This study evaluates the frost heave potential of frost-susceptible soils from Iowa (IA-PC) and North Carolina (NC-BO) under different temperature gradients. One-dimensional frost heave tests were conducted with a free water supply under three different temperature gradients of 0.26°C/cm, 0.52°C/cm, and 0.78°C/cm. Time-dependent measurements of frost penetration, water intake, and frost heave were carried out. Results of the study suggested that frost heave and water intake are functions of the temperature gradient within the soil. A lower temperature gradient of 0.26°C/cm leads to the maximum total heave of 18.28 mm (IA-PC) and 38.27 mm (NC-BO) for extended periods of freezing. The maximum frost penetration rate of 16.47 mm/hour was observed for a higher temperature gradient of 0.78°C/cm and soil with higher thermal diffusivity of 0.684 mm 2 /s. The results of this study can be used to validate numerical models and develop engineered solutions that prevent frost damage.


    Access

    Download

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Role of Temperature Gradient and Soil Thermal Properties on Frost Heave


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2023-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Frost Dept and Frost Heave Calculations

    Ravaska, O. / Kujala, K. / Technical Research Centre of Finland et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994


    Equipment for frost heave tests : friction between plastic and soil

    Admasie, Daniel / Stenberg, Lars | TIBKAT | 1982


    Frost heave in highways and its prevention

    Aaron, H. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1934


    Specification for the TRRL frost-heave test

    Roe, P. G. / Webster, D. C. | TIBKAT | 1984


    Frost heave in highways and its prevention

    Aaron, H. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1934