A Method for Estimating Frost Heave Forces Acting on Ground Anchors

摘要

The ground anchor method for slope stability is widely used for cut slopes and walls as either a permanent or temporary stabilization of ground in cold regions. However, we have observed deformation of top steel plates, failure of concrete frames, and even pull out of wires due to over tensioning forces, all possibly caused by the frost heave of ground during low temperatures. We do not have an appropriate design method or code in Japan to take into account the frost heave force acting on ground anchor wires when the ground is supposed to be frost susceptible. In this paper, a design method is introduced to estimate the frost heave forces acting on ground anchors as a required additional force, using a well-used frost heave model, results of laboratory frost heave tests, and several assumptions on the elasticity of frozen ground. The estimated values are compared to the observed failure data at the ground-anchored slope, and the method is evaluated as a reasonable approach.