Frost Heave Control with Buried Insulation

摘要

To investigate the effectiveness of extruded insulation panels in the mitigation of frost heave problems, two sites were selected: SH 40 at Rabbit Ears Pass with an elevation of 9,000 feet and I-70 east of Eisenhower Tunnel at an elevation of 10,000 feet. Temperature probes were installed in both sites in the control and the insulated sections. Hourly temperature variations were monitored and recorded by a micrologger and a tape recorder. The probes under the insulated area showed a warmer temperature (by approximately 7 degrees) and much less fluctuations than the probes installed in the control sections. The results of the study have demonstrated that insulation panels, if installed properly, can be a cost effective alternative to sub-excavation and backfilling.