Numerical simulation research on the mechanical behavior of ice-frozen soil interface

Abstract

As the weakest segment within frozen soil, the interface between ice and frozen soil undertakes the link of load transmission. The mechanical parameters between ice and frozen soil influence the deformation and strength of frozen soil. To investigate the mechanical behaviors of ice-frozen soil interface, the cryogenic direct shear tests were carried out and the deformation, strength properties of interface were analyzed. The shear stress of interface was described by generalized hyperbolic model and the physical meaning of the model parameters were defined. Based on the generalized hyperbolic model, the shear stiffness of interface was derived. The effect of temperature on the strength, shear stiffness of interface under different initial moisture contents, initial void ratios and normal stresses were discussed. The three-dimensional finite element model was established using COMSOL Multiphysics, and the mechanical behaviors of ice frozen soil interface were researched.