Simple frost heave testing method using a temperature-controllable cell

The characteristics of frost heave have been evaluated with experimental results based on individual testing apparatus and methods even though frost heave testing methods have already been standardized in Japan and the U.S., such as through JGS 0172 and ASTM 5918. This paper introduces a simple frost heave testing method using a newly developed temperature-controllable cell. The reliability of the testing apparatus was carefully examined with various boundary temperature conditions based on a comparison between measured and calculated volumetric expansion of sandy soils when the pore water in a specimen was frozen. After temperature boundary conditions were determined, frost heave tests with frost-susceptible soils were performed along with measuring water intake. The adfreezing bond and side friction were thoroughly assessed, and a simple frost heave test method was finally established.