Effect of Freeze-Thaw on CBR in Soils with Different Gradation and Mineralogy

Abstract

Freeze-thaw cycles are prevalent climatic phenomena with substantial effects on soils, leading to alterations in soil strength, stiffness, and hydraulic properties due to disruptions in the soil structure. With the ongoing climate change, weather patterns have grown progressively erratic, resulting in more frequent occurrences of extreme weather events, including heavy snowfall, intense rainfall, and windstorms, even in regions characterized typically with mild climates across the globe. The climate change can potentially threat man-made infrastructure constructed within or upon local soils, regardless of their susceptibility to freezing in temperate climates. The principal objective of this study is to assess the influence of freeze-thaw cycles on the California Bearing Ratio (CBR %) across 12 distinct soils with variations in granulometry and mineralogy. The freeze-thaw cycles resulted in a notable decrease in CBR (%) within the range of 40% to 70%. A strong inverse correlation with D50 was observed regarding the decrease in CBR (%). Nevertheless, it was discerned that the decrease in CBR (%) subsequent to freeze-thaw cycles varied among soil samples sharing identical D50 and liquid limit characteristics. The aim of this study is to enhance our comprehension of how freeze-thaw cycles can impact the bearing capacity of these soils, thereby providing essential insights for predicting their behavior and potential influence on infrastructure in the context of climate change.