Frost heave in compressible soils

Abstract

We develop a mathematical model of frost heave in compressible soils based on a morphological instability of the ice–soil interface. The theory accounts for heave and soil consolidation,while avoiding the frozen fringe assumption. Using a Lie-B¨acklund transformation an analytical solution to the governing equations is found. Two solidification regimes occur: a compaction regime in which the soil consolidates to accommodate the ice lenses, and a heave regime during which the soil is fully consolidated and heaves. The rate of heave is found to be independent of the rate of freezing, consistent with field and laboratory observations.