Physically Based Equation for Phase Composition Curve of Frozen Soils
The relationship between unfrozen water content (or saturation in freezing and thawing) and temperature, which is referred to as the phase composition curve in frozen soils, is a fundamental relationship in cold regions engineering. Because of the lack of a physical basis, there have been only empirical equations for this relationship. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying the phase composition curve. A detailed physical basis was established on the basis of the soil freezing characteristic curve, the Clapeyron equation, and the bundle of cylindrical capillary model. From this physical basis, a closed-form equation was developed for the formulation and prediction of this curve. This physically based equation quantifies the unique correlation between saturation and temperature in frozen soils and takes various factors into account, such as the soil saturation under unfrozen conditions and the lowest temperature used in experiments. The equation was validated with phase composition data measured with a thermal–time domain reflectometry sensor. In addition, the flexibility of the equation and its excellent applicability in various soils with a wide range of properties, in large temperature ranges, and in both freezing and thawing processes (hysteresis) were proved with reported data.
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- Summary URL:
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Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/169641.aspx
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Authors:
- Liu, Zhen
- Yu, Xiong (Bill)
- Publication Date: 2013
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Print
- Features: Figures; References; Tables;
- Pagination: pp 93-99
- Monograph Title: Geology and Properties of Earth Materials 2013
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Serial:
- Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
- Issue Number: 2349
- Publisher: Transportation Research Board
- ISSN: 0361-1981
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Equations; Frigid regions; Frozen soils; Geotechnical engineering; Moisture content; Saturated soils
- Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Pavements; I42: Soil Mechanics;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01477681
- Record Type: Publication
- ISBN: 9780309263443
- Report/Paper Numbers: 13-2700
- Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
- Created Date: Apr 8 2013 3:07PM