Study on the Thawing Compression Deformation Mechanism of Ice-Rich Frozen Soil

Current theories on the thawing compression of frozen soil exhibit a number of inadequacies because of the failure to consider the effect of moisture. Considering the effect of temperature coupled with moisture and stress and introducing a field variable of void ratio e, the model of thaw compression deformation of ice-rich frozen soil was established. By comparing its simulated results with the experimental results, it can be seen that theoretical model accurately reflects the deformation process of ice-rich frozen soil. The test and the calculation results both indicate that the thawing compression deformation of ice-rich frozen soil results from the combined action of several factors such as temperature, moisture, and stress. The deformation of ice-rich frozen soil is mainly attributed to the thawing-compression-drainage (TCD) process, in which the deformation process is basically completed. The deformation in the TCD process accounts for most of the total deformation of frozen soil. Moreover, the deformation tends toward stability in this process. The thawing settlement property of frozen soil determines its deformation law, which is the mechanism of the thawing compression deformation of ice-rich frozen soil.