Effects of Freeze-Thaw History on Bearing Capacity of Granular Base Course Materials

摘要

We used a newly developed freeze-thaw California bearing ratio (CBR) test apparatus to investigate the effects of freeze-thaw history on the bearing capacity characteristics of granular base course material. It was found that CBR was reduced by freeze-thaw under all water content conditions. Taking the example of C-40, which is frequently used as a base course material, freeze-thaw cycles reduced CBR to about 0.6 times its initial value. We found volume expansion in even non-frost susceptible C-40, and therefore investigated changes in particle pore water due to freeze-thaw cycles. We found that freezing causes particle pore water to be dislocated to particle surfaces, thereby causing interparticle friction and altering the void structure.