Development of an Experimental Device For Monitoring Frost Heave in Soils

Abstract

The goal of this research is to develop a laboratory freeze cell and experimental methods to monitor frost heave in soil samples. This will allow the ability to identify the mechanisms of ice lens formation under one-dimensional, open system freezing conditions. This dissertation will describe past research examining frost heave in soils and discuss research gaps associated with the measurements performed. Based on the literature, the development of the test apparatus is described, particularly with respect to some of the unique measurements being performed to assess frost heave. The use of thermocouple probes, pore pressure transducers for suction measurements, and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) in the test procedure will be discussed. An explanation of the test procedure will be advanced with the assistance of some preliminary tests on a clayey specimen. Future work can enhance the testing methods and develop improved procedures for measuring frost heave in soil samples.