Soil Freezing Response: Influence of Test Conditions

Abstract The response of soils to freezing has been assessed in terms of frost heave, and the heaving pressure developed when the specimen is restrained. As both techniques have been suggested for assessing frost susceptibility, it was considered essential to determine the influence of the test conditions on the soil response. This investigation was concerned with specimen preparation, specimen size, and freezing procedure. The test material consisted of an artificially produced matrix, into which controlled amounts of coarse aggregate could be blended. This reduced the likelihood of variation in the results because of random changes in the test materials. The results clearly demonstrated the sensitivity of both heave and heaving pressure to the test conditions. When modified or new test methods are being formulated, it is essential to consider the influence of such factors, particularly when making comparisons between different testing techniques. Such modifications may also require changes in the particular criteria used to assess frost susceptibility.