Thermal-Hydraulic-Mechanical Coupling Research on Overburden Pressure Mitigated Ice Lens Growth in the Freezing Soil

Ji, Yukun; Zhou, Guoqing; Hall, Matthew; Vandeginste, Veerle; Zhao, Xiaodong

doi:10.1007/s12205-022-0603-6

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 48 publications

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“…Hence, less water was observed to be redistributed with increasing APAM content (Figure 6). Less water redistribution is often reported after using physical and chemical treatment methods in frost heave mitigating fields [41,42]. Given the adsorption of APAM may narrow the seepage channels, we speculate that the pore blocking is the main reason for the decreased permeability (Figure 8).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 84%

Effect of Anionic Polyacrylamide Polymer on Frost Heave Mitigation and Its Implication for Frost-Susceptible Soil

Wang

et al. 2023

Polymers

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Seasonally frozen ground regions occupy approximately 55% of the exposed land surface in the Northern Hemisphere, and frost heave is the common global problem in seasonally frozen soil areas. Frost heave induces uneven deformation of ground and damages railways, road paving, and buildings. How to mitigate frost heave is the most important technical issue in this field that has provoked great interest. Here, using freezing experiments, we investigate the effect of anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) polymer on frost susceptible soil. The results demonstrate a so-far undocumented inhibition of frost heave by APAM in freezing soil, namely APAM (tested at concentrations from 0.0 wt% to 0.60 wt%) slows down the frost heave by a factor of up to 2.1 (since 0.60 wt% APAM can decrease frost heave from 8.56 mm to 4.14 mm in comparison to the control experiment). Moreover, it can be observed that the maximum water content near the frozen fringe decreased from 53.4% to 31.4% as the APAM content increased from 0.0 wt% to 0.60 wt%, implying a mitigated ice lens growth. Hydrogen bonding between APAM and soil particles triggers an adsorption mechanism that accumulates soil particles, and thus can potentially inhibit the separation and growth of the ice lens. Moreover, the residue of APAM due to hydrogen bonding-induced adsorption in the pores of granular media may narrow seepage channels (capillary barriers) and provide an unfavourable condition for water migration. The use of APAM can also increase the viscosity of the solution, which causes a greater water migration resistance. This research provides new insights into APAM-influenced frost heave (introducing APAM into the soil can induce bridging adsorption between APAM polymer segments and a particle surface), can enable engineers and researchers to utilise chemical improvement design and to consider suitable actions (e.g., by injecting APAM solution into a frost susceptible soil or using APAM-modified soil to replace the frost susceptible soil) to prevent frost heave from having a negative impact on traffic roads and buildings in cold regions.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 84%

Effect of Anionic Polyacrylamide Polymer on Frost Heave Mitigation and Its Implication for Frost-Susceptible Soil

Wang

et al. 2023

Polymers

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State of the Art of Coupled Thermo–hydro-Mechanical–Chemical Modelling for Frozen Soils

Li,

Yin

2024

Arch Computat Methods Eng

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Numerous studies have investigated the coupled multi-field processes in frozen soils, focusing on the variation in frozen soils and addressing the influences of climate change, hydrological processes, and ecosystems in cold regions. The investigation of coupled multi-physics field processes in frozen soils has emerged as a prominent research area, leading to significant advancements in coupling models and simulation solvers. However, substantial differences remain among various coupled models due to the insufficient observations and in-depth understanding of multi-field coupling processes. Therefore, this study comprehensively reviews the latest research process on multi-field models and numerical simulation methods, including thermo-hydraulic (TH) coupling, thermo-mechanical (TM) coupling, hydro-mechanical (HM) coupling, thermo–hydro-mechanical (THM) coupling, thermo–hydro-chemical (THC) coupling and thermo–hydro-mechanical–chemical (THMC) coupling. Furthermore, the primary simulation methods are summarised, including the continuum mechanics method, discrete or discontinuous mechanics method, and simulators specifically designed for heat and mass transfer modelling. Finally, this study outlines critical findings and proposes future research directions on multi-physical field modelling of frozen soils. This study provides the theoretical basis for in-depth mechanism analyses and practical engineering applications, contributing to the advancement of understanding and management of frozen soils.

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Artificial Ground Freezing—On the Soil Deformations during Freeze–Thaw Cycles

Joudieh,

Cuisinier,

Abdallah

et al. 2024

Geotechnics

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Artificial ground freezing (AGF) has emerged as a prominent treatment method due to its ability to mechanically strengthen the soil while reducing its permeability. However, its implementation has raised concerns about its impact, particularly with respect to frost heave and subsequent thaw-induced displacements. These soil movements can cause subsidence and pose a significant threat to the integrity of surface structures. Overburden pressure plays a crucial role in AGF and determines the amount of heave generated. This paper presents an analysis of the existing literature about soil freezing and thawing. The aim is to offer an understanding of these processes, specifically with regard to their application in AGF. This paper explains the behavior of soil during freezing, with particular emphasis on the influence of overburden pressure. It also investigates frozen soils’ thawing and freeze–thaw (FT) cycles’ long-term effects on soil properties. AGF offers improved soil strength and reduced water permeability, enhancing construction project stability. However, the interplay between the temperature, soil composition, and initial ground conditions during freezing is complex. This thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical process strengthens the soil and reduces its permeability, but it can also induce frost heave due to water expansion and ice lens formation. Overburden pressure from the overlying soil limits ice lens growth. FT cycles significantly impact soil properties. In fine-grained soils, FT cycles can lead to over-consolidation, while rapid thawing can generate high pore pressures and compromise stability. Importantly, FT acts as a weathering mechanism, influencing soil properties at both the microscopic and macroscopic scales. These cycles can loosen over-consolidated soil, densify normally consolidated soil, and increase overall hydraulic conductivity due to structural changes. They can also weaken the soil’s structure and deteriorate its mechanical performance.

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Thermal-Hydraulic-Mechanical Coupling Research on Overburden Pressure Mitigated Ice Lens Growth in the Freezing Soil

Cited by 3 publications

References 48 publications

Effect of Anionic Polyacrylamide Polymer on Frost Heave Mitigation and Its Implication for Frost-Susceptible Soil

Effect of Anionic Polyacrylamide Polymer on Frost Heave Mitigation and Its Implication for Frost-Susceptible Soil

State of the Art of Coupled Thermo–hydro-Mechanical–Chemical Modelling for Frozen Soils

Artificial Ground Freezing—On the Soil Deformations during Freeze–Thaw Cycles

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