The effect of cooling rate and supplying water condition on the freezing properties of silty clay in seasonal freezing zones
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.This study on silty clay freezing reveals distinct temperature stages and cryostructure changes. Cooling rate and water supply significantly impact frost heave and moisture migration in soils.
Area Of Science
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Soil Science
- Physical Geography
Background
- Frost heave is a critical phenomenon in cold regions, affecting infrastructure stability.
- Understanding soil moisture migration and temperature variations during freezing is essential for predicting frost heave behavior.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the influence of cooling rate and water supply on temperature evolution, frost deformation, and moisture migration in silty clay.
- To analyze the resulting cryostructure and its relationship with freezing conditions.
Main Methods
- A unidirectional freezing experiment was conducted on silty clay using a custom freezing apparatus.
- Temperature variations, frost heave, and moisture migration were monitored under controlled cooling rates and water supply conditions (open vs. closed).
Main Results
- Four distinct temperature evolution stages were identified: rapid cooling, rebound and stabilization, sustained cooling, and steady state.
- Higher cooling rates increased cryostructure width and significantly altered frost heave ratios depending on water supply.
- Open water supply resulted in higher final specimen temperatures and distinct moisture accumulation near the freezing front.
Conclusions
- Cooling rate and water supply are critical factors governing frost heave and internal soil processes.
- The observed differences in temperature, cryostructure, and moisture migration highlight the importance of considering these parameters in cold region engineering.
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