Role of phase equilibrium in frost heave of fine-grained soil under negligible overburden pressure

Abstract

The role of the phase equilibrium of water in frost heave was studied for two kinds of soil. The rate of frost heave and the rate of water intake were measured simultaneously under various rates of heat removal. The experimental data revealed a trend common for both soils that the rate of water intake attains its maximum at a certain critical rate of heat removal. The data were analyzed by using equations accurately describing the relation between these rates. The results of the analysis indicate a serious doubt about the validity of phase equilibrium in the system. Alternatively, an assumption was introduced that supercooling occurred between a frost front and an unfrozen part of the soil. It was shown that supercooling could explain the data well under certain conditions.