A Case Study of Potential Causes of Frost Heave

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA224071 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Frost action beneath pavements can lead to several problems, including thaw weakening, which causes cracking and subsequent pumping of fine soil particles onto the surface, as well as hazardous conditions caused by differential heaving. This study examined data and frost-susceptible soil collected during the winter of 1985-86 at Ravalli County Airport, Hamilton, Montana, to determine potential causes of frost heave. Variables analyzed were depth to water table, depth of frost penetration, maximum frost heave and soil moisture tension and soil temperature with depth. Analysis of the field data revealed the possibility that hydraulic conductivity of subgrade soils and rates of heat loss in the soil may be limiting frost heave rates. Soil density and depth to water table may also be factors affecting amounts of frost heave. Furthermore, the base course gravel used at the airport contained considerable amounts of fines and did heave somewhat in laboratory tests. Recommendations for design changes to reduce frost heave at Ravalli County Airport were made. edc

Author(s):
Henry, Karen S.
Author Organization(s):
COLD REGIONS RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING LAB HANOVER NH
Descriptive Note:
Special rept.
Pagination:
0041

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
CRREL-SR-90-9, DOT/FAA/RD-90/14
Monitor Series:
90/14, DOT
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_4.6.1_General Engineering; JCA_4.5.4_Requirements Definition; JCA_4.5_Operational Contract Support; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_4.7.2_Installation Services; JCA_4.7_Base and Installations Support; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_6.2.1_Information Sharing; JCA_6.2.2_Computing Services; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_8_Building Partnerships
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
Energy and Power Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*SOILS, *FROST HEAVE, TEMPERATURE, LABORATORY TESTS, HAZARDS, CONDUCTIVITY, CRACKS, FIELD TESTS, RATES, PAVEMENTS, GRAVEL, DEPTH, PARTICLES, DRAINAGE, PENETRATION, CASE STUDIES, LIMITATIONS, TENSION, FROST, THAWING, HYDRAULICS, MOISTURE, AIRPORTS, MONTANA, WATER TABLE, HEAT LOSS, HEAVING, FINES, DENSITY, PARTICLE SIZE
Field(s)/Group(s):
Terminal Flight Facilities, Soil Mechanics, Civil Engineering
Keyword(s):
GEOTEXTILES
Report Date:
1990 Apr 01