An easy method for assessing frost susceptibility of soils: the freezing ring test

Frost heave induces deformation and damage to various facilities in cold regions and on artificially frozen ground. A convenient and quick way to assess frost susceptibility is favorable to deal with frost heave. This study introduced an easy freezing ring test, in which a short cylindrical soil sample is frozen from the outmost boundary to its center with thermal isolation on its top and bottom. During freezing, water migrates from the center to the outer zone in the same direction as heat transfer. Water content along the radial direction was measured after the freezing test. Soil types, initial water content, and salt concentration were considered as influencing factors for water migration. Then, water redistribution by the freezing ring test was compared with the frost heave tests, showing a good agreement in water migration and frost heave capabilities. An index of water redistribution by the freezing ring test was suggested to assess frost susceptibility. The frost susceptibility is high in silt, very low to medium in clay, and negligible in sand. Increased initial water content aggravates frost heave but salt significantly depresses it. The freezing ring test is easy and time-saving to conduct; thus, it is potentially suitable for large engineering projects.