Freeze-Thaw Effect on Riverbank Stability

The stability of riverbanks in cold regions is affected by the freeze-thaw action. The freeze-thaw process causes changes in the moisture content, friction angle, and cohesiveness of the bank material. Together with the freeze-thaw effect, seepage pressure influenced by the changing water levels, and the bank slope are the key factors affecting bank stability. A limit equilibrium bank stability model considering the infiltration water pressure effect is developed and applied to the Shisifenzi section of Inner Mongolia reach of the Yellow River. Laboratory tests of field samples with moisture contents of 15%, 18%, 21%, and saturated showed that the freeze-thaw action reduced the degree of saturation by 34.37 %, 30.71%, 32.48%, and 46.23%, respectively, accompanied by reductions in the internal friction angles by 1.78%, 2.74%, 6.33%, and 5.32%. These changes resulted in a 24.35% to 29.13% reduction in the safety factor of bank stability. Together with seasonal variations in the water levels the field data showed that the bank stability safety factor in the study site increases gradually through the melting period, dry period, wet period, flooding period, and low flow period. The slope stability safety factor increases with the stage of the river but decreases with the groundwater level.