A novel random finite element model for holistically modeling of the frost effects on soils and cold region pavements

This paper describes the development of a random finite element model (RFEM) that allows holistic simulation of frozen soil behaviors, including the effects of phase transition and the consequent internal stress and volume changes. The performance of the model is firstly validated with laboratory experiments. The model is implemented to simulate the effects of frost action on pavement. The coupled thermal-mechanical actions including the mechanical responses of subgrade soils subjected to freezing temperature and its effects on the pavement structure are analyzed. The results show that the frost action and expansion of ice lenses change the interaction modes between pavement layers. This leads to increase of stress and deformation in the pavement layer. Methods to mitigate the effects of frost heave are analyzed with this model. The simulation results indicate that the detrimental effects of frost heave on the pavement structure can be mitigated by increasing the thickness of base layer, use of thermal insulation layer or improve drainage in the subgrade layer. The RFEM combines the advantages of discrete element model (DEM) in holistically describing the microstructure effects and in the finite element model (FEM) in terms of computational efficiency. This allows to focus research on understanding the behaviors of individual soils phase and their interfacial interactions. © The Author(s) 2022.