The Strength of Thawing Ground,

Many roadbed deformations occur during the spring ground thaw. In that period the strength of the gound is reduced by the winter accumulation of moisture and the structural changes occurring in the process of freezing. The extent of the changing ground strength depends on its initial compactness and moisture, the relative loss of strength being highest near the limit of the flattening process. The process of restoring the ground strength after the thaw has not been adequately studied. The investigations carried out have revealed that the strength of thawing ground varies with time. The ground is weakest during the thawing process, but its strength increases in the course of time. A THOR