Validation of the VTI frost heave model

This paper is a presentation of the preliminary results for the validation of a model for frost heave predictions of roads. Soil layers in a road were determined by sampling. Main soils were tested according to the VTI method for classifying frost susceptibility by direct freezing tests. Results from these tests were used in the VTI-model for calculating frost heave amount. The calculated frost heave was then compared with field observations. Results from two winters 1994–96 with freezing indices of 400°Cd and 1000°Cd respectively indicate acceptable agreements concerning frost heave and frost penetration for the last winter, but far to little heave for the 400°Cd winter of 1994–95. Further studies will reveal whether this disagreement between measured and calculated amounts was accidental or the model has to be changed.