Frost Depth Evaluation Considering Freeze-Thaw Cycles in Moderate Cold Regions

Freezing index (FI) is a major factor in estimating frost penetration in soils and pavements. A summarized freezing index from multiple freeze-thaw cycles during winter season has been mostly used for frost depth estimation. However, based upon data used from this Pennsylvania study with field measurements at several pavement sites, it was concluded that one single freeze-thaw cycle or just a few major freeze-thaw cycle(s) dominantly determine maximum frost penetration. It was observed that at the sites studied, a continuous freeze period did not exceed 40 days. For most cycles, the continuous freeze period lasted less than 10 days. In addition, it was found that freezing index calculated based on all freeze-thaw cycles exceeded the freezing index calculated based on a major freeze-thaw cycle, with the later better correlated with measured frost depth. The difference in freezing index from these two approaches was in the range of 100 to 300 degree C-days. Freezing index difference of about 200 degree C-days results in computed frost depth variation of approximately 0.15 to 0.25 m. Frost penetration depth was calculated and measured from sensors installed at several sites. Computation of freezing index based on a major cycle is recommended as freezing index based on multiple cycles seems to overestimate the frost depth.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Bae, Abraham
  • Solaimanian, Mansour
  • Stoffels, Shelley
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 87th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2008-1-13 to 2008-1-17
• Date: 2008

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: DVD
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 20p
• Monograph Title: TRB 87th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers DVD

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cold weather; Depth; Freeze thaw durability; Frost; Natural earth crust materials; Pavements; Soils
• Uncontrolled Terms: Freeze thaw cycles; Freezing index; Frost penetration
• Geographic Terms: Pennsylvania
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Pavements; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01090706
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 08-3103
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Mar 27 2008 10:26AM