Long Term Mitigation of Frost Deterioration of Existing Roadways

摘要

In geographical areas which are subject to significant seasonal freezing temperatures, the phenomena of frost heaving and subsequent thawing of roadway base soils often results in annual deterioration of the road surface. The research addresses the need for an economical method of either preventing or reducing the frequency of the resulting damage. It presents data and information regarding the feasibility of two different methods, notably wick drains and thermal inserts, for mitigating this pavement degradation. Both methods are directed at reducing the loss in shear strength of a roadway base soil. This strength loss, known as thaw weakening, is the ultimate cause of the surface deterioration. The severity of thaw weakening is directly related to the amount of moisture in the soil. The goal of the project was to determine if the device under consideration altered the moisture regime which was produced within the soil after thaw.