Simplified Model to Predict Frost Penetration for Manitoba Soils

In spring season, the top layers of pavement start to thaw while the bottom layers are still frozen. As a result, the moisture remains contained in the top layers and can not be drained. Consequently, pavement layers experience high strains therefore Spring Load Restrictions (SLR) are applied to protect pavement from early deterioration. In winter season, the winter load premium can not be allowed until frost penetration reaches a certain depth. Having a reliable model to predict the depth of frost penetration provides a time and cost effective alternative to field measurements. This paper introduces the analysis conducted to develop a simplified model to predict the frost penetration in Manitoba. The climatic and seasonal monitoring data for the Oak Lake test section, which was collected as part of the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) Program, was utilized for this purpose. The proposed frost penetration model was compared to the Northern Ontario frost penetration model and a good agreement was found between them.