A study of thermal cracks in frozen ground No.3

The author studies the mechanical characteristics of thermal-crack formation in frozen ground. He describes and analyses the crack formation with mathematics-physics methods, and proposes methods and formulas to claculate their spacing and width as functions of ground tensile strength, soil shearing modulus of elasticity, and temperature gradient; of ground temperature; and of ground freezing depth respectively. https://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="block"> ( σ o 1 ) = n ⋅ a ⋅ g ⋅ x 2 / h c 2 ⋅ [ ( h c − h 1 ) ⋅ grad ( t ) + t c ] The uneven distribution of soil types, water contents, vegetation cover, snow cover, and temperature gradient of frozen ground all have tremendous influence to the crack spacing. On the basis of these calculations, the author considers their use in crack prediction and reviews preventive measures such as soil-type selection and water content reduction.