Experimental and practical evaluation method of three-dimensional frost heave of frozen soil

Various models have been proposed for frost heave estimation. However, a practical evaluation method for multi-dimensional deformation has not yet been established. This study aims to discuss the possibility of expanding an existing evaluation method into three dimensions based on previous experience on simulating interactive behavior between an underground structure and frost heave. Takashi's equation was adopted among several frost heave models considered. This model has been used to estimate one-dimensional frost heave according to the Japanese Geotechnical Standard. However, it is applicable only for one-dimensional frost heave. The authors developed a new apparatus to measure three-dimensional frost heave to apply Takashi's equation to multi-dimensional heave. A modified equation was proposed based on the experimental results. Considering the effect of anisotropic properties on frost heave, this proposal was adopted for a simulation program by coupling the heat transfer calculation and mechanical equilibrium analysis in a finite element method (FEM) model. The fundamental simulation results are presented in this paper as an example to confirm the proposed model's applicability.