Geotechnical basis for subgrade reconstruction under conditions of deep seasonal frost penetration in frost-sensitive heaving ground

The paper features a prediction for a freeze - heave - thaw sequence in an insulated railway embankment. The freeze - thaw process in the ground is described by a thermal conductivity equation with consideration for phase transformations in below zero temperatures range for unsteady heat conditions in 3-D ground medium. The heaving is viewed as occurring in the temperature interval from ground freeze temperature TOO active heave termination temperature T-f. Heave/shrinkage deformations in FE realization are imitated by means of force vectors additionally applied in the elements cross-points. The paper also features a numerical prediction of freeze - heave - thaw sequence on a railway embankment for one-year period.