Effect evaluation of freeze-thaw action on hydro-mechanical behavior of unsaturated granular materials

Abstract

This paper proposes new testing methods for evaluating the effects of freeze-thaw action on the deformation-strength characteristics and water retention-permeability characteristics of granular materials in unsaturated conditions. A triaxial and a permeability apparatus, which have a cooling system to control the temperature of the soil specimen, were developed in order to examine the hydro-mechanical behavior of unsaturated soils subjected to freeze-thaw sequence similar to that experienced by in-site soil in cold regions. Results indicate that the proposed testing methods with the newly developed test apparatuses are highly useful in the evaluation of the effects of the freeze-thaw action on the hydro-mechanical behavior of unsaturated soils. © 2009 IOS Press.