Finite-element simulations of a road embankment based on a constitutive model for frozen soil with the incorporation of damage

Based on the microcosmic mechanics of composite materials, an elastic constitutive model for frozen soil with damage is proposed and presented in this paper. The model is then applied to frozen sandy soil with a range of ice contents and various temperature conditions; quantitative results agree well with practically measured stress–strain data. A finite-element (FE) routine is developed, incorporating the constitutive model, to simulate a frozen roadbed that contains water, temperature and stress variables; it leads to more accurate results for the temperature field coupled with stress, displacement and strains. The results from the current study match well the previous predictions and tests results undertaken by other researchers, and confirm the reliability of the FE routine for calculating the interdependent physical quantities of frozen soils as well as defining their relationships. It is demonstrated that the current FE program developed is particularly suitable for practical design applications in permafrost regions.