Effect of Freeze-Thaw Cycles on the Strength of Base Course Materials Used under China's High-Speed Railway Line

Mechanical property variations of base course materials caused by freezing and thawing must be considered when designing subgrades in regions with seasonal freezing and thawing. In this study, static triaxial tests were performed to investigate the properties of reconstructed base course materials with optimum water contents subjected to freeze-thaw cycles; reconstructed base course materials are extensively used for China's high-speed railway. The material strength significantly decreased with increasing freeze-thaw cycles, particularly during the first cycle. The results show that the minimum strength was frequently achieved after the specimen had been exposed to six freeze-thaw cycles.