Effect of saturation level and freeze-thaw cycling on the properties of clayey soil frost heaving

In this research the function of the saturation level and freeze-thaw cycling which have effects on the frost heaving of clayey soil were quantitatively evaluated. The effect of soil density on the frost heaving behaviour was also investigated. Under the condition of repeated freeze-thaw cycling indoor tests were carried out for various groupings of clayey soil. The results of indoor tests indicate that both the clayey soil and saturation level of clay are closely related to the frost heaving properties. The frost heaving declines rapidly as the soil density increases. When the soil bears a small load, the “pernicious cycling” phenomenon of frost heaving accumulation will not occur under repeated freeze-thaw cyclings, whether the clayey soil is saturated or non-saturated.