Analysis of large scale laboratory and in situ frost heave tests

Frost heave data obtained from large scale laboratory frost heave tests carried out at the University of Manitoba, Canada and full scale in situ frost heave tests performed at the University of Luleå, Sweden were analysed using the concept of segregation potential. From each test, the segregation potential at zero overburden and its pressure dependency factor were evaluated by: using the heave and frost penetration data measured as a function of time; taking the expansion of the pore water into account; and considering the amount of unfrozen water in the soil. The segregation potentials at no overburden were found to increase with increasing value of a factor calculated on the basis of the amount of fines and the liquid limit of the soil. When this factor was higher than about 30%, the segregation potential decreased. The pressure dependency factor was found to decrease with increasing clay content. The results indicate that it is possible to estimate the segregation potential in a soil, based on easily performed index tests, i.e., grain size distribution and liquid limit tests.