Thermo-hydro-mechanical modeling of frost heave using the theory of poroelasticity for frost-susceptible soils in double-barrel culvert sites

Abstract The upward movement of soil due to the formation of ice lenses, known as frost heave, is detrimental to buried utilities, pavement structures and building foundations. In this paper, a fully coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical model was presented in the framework of the theory of poroelasticity and a porosity rate function aiming to predict frost heave, temperature distribution and pore water pressure in frost-susceptible soils. The model was verified by experimental and field data and applied to predict frost heave in two double-barrel concrete culvert sites in Manitoba, Canada. It was concluded that the insulation and non-frost-susceptible backfill can be used to effectively decrease frost heave and corresponding differential deformations at the road surface.