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A model for the prediction of ice lensing and frost heave in soils
Author(s) -
Gilpin R. R.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/wr016i005p00918
Subject(s) - frost heaving , geotechnical engineering , overburden , soil water , environmental science , soil science , boundary value problem , geology , mathematics , mathematical analysis
A model of the frost heave phenomenon in soil was developed. This model predicts ice lensing and heave rates as a function of the basic soil properties (thermal conductivities and particle size) and the externally applied boundary conditions (surface temperatures and overburden pressure). The results are in general agreement with experimental observations as to the effects of the various parameters. The predicted heave rates are also of the right order of magnitude. An examination of the model equations reveals that at least four different processes may limit the heave rate of a soil. The specific process which controls the heave rate will depend on the soil properties and the applied boundary conditions. From the model it has also been possible to identify the properties of a soil that must be known in order to make an accurate prediction of heave rate in that soil.