Estimation of Climatic Parameters for Frost Depth Prediction

A realistic method for estimating air freezing index, duration of freeze, and mean annual temperature for any latitude and elevation in West Virginia is presented. The method was developed after study of 20 weather stations having not less than 25 yr of weather records. The stations were selected to include a variety of geographical locations. A statistical study was made to relate air freezing index, duration of freeze and mean annual temperature to the elevations and latitudes of the weather stations studied and to permit consideration of any given return period or recurrence interval for design. A reasonably reliable estimate of the air freezing index, duration of freeze, and mean annual air temperature for design purposes may be obtained for any latitude and elevation in West Virginia for a specified recurrence interval. Regression equations and charts permit calculation of these estimates. It is proposed that the recurrence interval for pavement design purposes be chosen to be equal to the design life of the pavement.