Effects of cooling rate on frost action in closed system

In this study we discuss the frost action of saturated sandy clay under closed system where the temperature of the cold side falls at a given cooling rate in the laboratory. The relationship between cooling rate and frost heaving pressure, and between cooling rate and frost heave amount in closed system can be experimentally determined. It is also known that the rate of increase of frost heaving pressure is larger at the beginning of freezing, and after that the rate of change is nearly constant and not dependent upon the cooling rate. We also discuss frost action in the field where there is no underground water supply at the frost penetration depth. The effect of the temperature gradient underground on frost action was also studied. It was found that the frost heaving pressure at the freezing front extends to underground structures through the frozen soil layer and pressure is extended within a definite range.