Thawing Frozen Ground: Field Trials and Analysis
Publication: Journal of Cold Regions Engineering
Volume 1, Issue 2
Abstract
Field trials and analytical modeling are conducted in order to evaluate methods for thawing frozen ground. Propane heaters, electric heaters, and coal and straw fires are built over specially constructed test pads. Surface and ground temperatures are monitored in order to compare the different methods. Two soil types are considered: a sandy gravel and a clay till. Following field testing, an analytical model is developed based on the measured fire temperatures, and is used to predict the soil response with time. Comparisons of the field data and model predictions are presented. The data gathered indicated that the three techniques tested are capable of thawing frozen ground. After 96 hrs, the depth of thaw in clay soils ranges from 0.9 m to 1.25 m, and up to 1.5 m after 96 hrs in gravel soils. The time for the heat to penetrate about 0.3 m of soil is found to range from 2 to 8 hrs.
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References
1.
City of Calgary Utility Coordinating Committee (CCUCC). (1985). “Utility trench thaw study phase I.” Published by the City of Calgary, Engrg. Dept, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Aug.
2.
City of Calgary Utility Coordinating Committee (CCUCC). (1986). “Utility trench thaw study phase II.” Published by the City of Calgary, Engrg. Dept., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Jul.
3.
Hwang, C. T. (1976). “Predictions and observations on the behaviour of a warm gas pipeline on permafrost.” Can. Geotech. J., 13(4), 452–480.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Cold Regions Engineering
Volume 1 • Issue 2 • June 1987
Pages: 76 - 88
Copyright
Copyright © 1987 ASCE.
History
Published online: Jun 1, 1987
Published in print: Jun 1987
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