Investigating Freeze-Thawing Behavior of Saline Soil Using Electrical Resistivity Measurement
Publication: Geo-Congress 2023
ABSTRACT
With the accelerating rate of global warming, seasonally frozen ground has been an emerging issue in the Northern Hemisphere. The freeze-thaw cycling of frozen soils is known to be the cause of various engineering failures of infrastructure in cold regions. To better conduct construction in cold regions, ground investigations on soil profile distribution and properties of frozen soils are essential. Researchers found that electrical resistivity method outperforms traditional ground surveying methods in frozen soils for their greater convenience and cost-effectiveness. However, detailed investigation into the relationship between electrical resistivity of soil and a variety of soil properties, especially properties related to the freeze-thaw process, is still needed. In this study, a series of laboratory experiments are conducted to determine the relationship between soil electrical resistivity and soil geotechnical properties such as initial water content, bulk density, and pore fluid concentration under freeze-thaw conditions. Manually prepared soil samples undergo artificial freeze-thaw cycles, and electrical resistivity and temperature values are recorded simultaneously. Measurement results are summarized for curve fitting, and a statistical model showing relationship between electrical resistivity and temperature during freezing and thawing is given. When the temperature was above the freezing point, resistivity has a linear relationship with temperature on a semi-logarithmic plot; when the temperature was below the freezing point, resistivity has a parabolic relationship with temperature on a semi-logarithmic plot. Result patterns during freezing are also different from those during thawing. Impacts from other soil properties are also incorporated in the model through optimization methods. Theoretical basis of the relationships is discussed to reveal changes in the structure of coils at different stages of freeze-thaw cycling. The findings of this study are expected to enhance understandings of frozen soil structure and geophysical surveying in cold regions.
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Geo-Congress 2023
Pages: 183 - 192
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Published online: Mar 23, 2023
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