Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of the Frozen Rocks at the Yamal Peninsula, Russian Arctic

This paper presents laboratory results on the physical–mechanical properties of frozen rocks from Russia’s Yamal Peninsula, aiming to improve foundation design in permafrost. Samples from various geological profiles underwent compression and shear tests along the freezing surface at −3 °C, following standard protocols. Strength and deformation characteristics were established for prevalent frozen rock types (sands, sandy loams, clay loams, clays), revealing links between physical properties and mechanical behavior. The study specifically investigated how salinity and the degree of pore filling with ice/unfrozen water influence the deformation modulus, crucial for foundation reliability in permafrost. Results demonstrated significant property variability related to granulometry, plasticity, porosity, and salinity. Deformation modulus generally decreased with increasing dispersion, ranging from approximately 44 MPa for saline sands down to 6–14 MPa for clays. Shear resistance varied from 0.05 to 0.20 MPa (clays) to 0.20–0.30 MPa (sands). The influence of pore filling on deformation modulus depended complexly on rock type, porosity, and salinity. These findings provide valuable data for geomechanical modeling and bearing capacity assessments of pile foundations in Arctic regions, particularly the Yamal Peninsula.