ISSN: 1945-7545
CODEN: GTJODJ
Page Count: 9

Small-Scale Testing of Soils for Frost Action

Sayward, JM
Research chemist, U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, N.H.

Abstract

A method is described for convenient study of frost action, including soil heaving and needle ice formation. The apparatus is simple and small and the procedure requires only 25-cm³ soil specimens. The method could be useful for screening either large numbers or limited quantities of soils or soil additives for frost susceptibility.

The method described was used to perform a limited number of tests with several soils. The tests obtained action in the form of soil heave, ice heave, or ice needles, yielding maximum heights up to three to six times the initial 40-mm soil depth. Maximum growth rates were up to 1 to 3 mm/h for soil heaves and 3 to 7 or more mm/h for ice heaves and ice needles. Initial trials showed that thickener additives and possibly other treatments can restrict frost action.

Keywords:
soil tests, frost action, frost heave, soil treatment, soil additives, soil water migration, needle ice, thickeners, frost control

Paper ID: GTJ10461J
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ10461J
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