Predictive modeling of freezing and thawing of frost-susceptible soils.

PDFTech ReportRC-16192010-0294Frost susceptible soilFreeze thaw durabilityMathematical predictionFrost heavingFrostDepthMichiganMichigan. Dept. of Transportation. Office of Research AdministrationBaladi, GilbertRajaei, PegahMichigan State University. Dept. of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUS Transportation CollectionFrost depth is an essential factor in design of various transportation infrastructures. In frostsusceptible soils, as soils freezes, water migrates through the soil voids below the freezing linetowards the freezing front and causes excessive heave. The excessive heave can cause instabilityissues in the structure, therefore predicting the frost depth and resulting frost heave accurately canplay a major role in the design. The objectives of this study are to develop accurate and reliablemodels for predicting frost depths and frost heave and to estimate the resulting heave pressure. Thefrost depth model was developed and verified using data from MDOT and Minnesota DOT. The frostheave model was also developed and verified using the available MDOT data