Laboratory Tests Investigating the Influence of Moisture Availability on Frost Heave

Seasonal frost heave impacts critical infrastructure in northern regions and creates design challenges for engineers. Frost heave issues occur where there are simultaneously a frost susceptible soil, cold temperatures, and a ready supply of water. At more northern latitudes in permafrost zones, conditions exist where the vertical moisture flow could be limited by a frozen layer at depth. However, climate change effects could lead to alternative moisture availability over the life of a project. This paper will explore moisture availability conditions during two laboratory freezing experiments on a frost susceptible soil. Temperature profiles, heave, and water intake data are collected, as well as digital images. Results show frost heave quantity and rate are reduced when moisture access is limited. Instead of increasing in overall volume throughout the test due to both phase change and taking on additional pore water, the dominant outcome is rearrangement of moisture along the vertical profile. Results of the research will serve to inform cold regions engineers on frost heave issues within the context of changing ground conditions due to climate change.