Best Practices for Road Weather Management Version 2.0
Title:
Frost Depth Evaluation Considering Freeze-Thaw Cycles in Moderate Cold Regions
Abstract:
Freezing index (FI) is a major factor in estimating frost penetration in soils and pavements. A summarized freezing index from multiple freeze-thaw cycles during winter season has been mostly used for frost depth estimation. However, based upon data used from this Pennsylvania study with field measurements at several pavement sites, it was concluded that one single freeze-thaw cycle or just a few major freeze-thaw cycle(s) dominantly determine maximum frost penetration. It was observed that at the sites studied, a continuous freeze period did not exceed 40 days. For most cycles, the continuous freeze period lasted less than 10 days. In addition, it was found that freezing index calculated based on all freeze-thaw cycles exceeded the freezing index calculated based on a major freeze-thaw cycle, with the later better correlated with measured frost depth. The difference in freezing index from these two approaches was in the range of 100 to 300 degree Celsius-days. Freezing index difference of about 200 degree Celcius-days results in computed frost depth variation of approximately 0.15 to 0.25 m. Frost penetration depth was calculated and measured from sensors installed at several sites. Computation of freezing index based on a major cycle is recommended as freezing index based on multiple cycles seems to overestimate the frost depth.
Source(s):
87th Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting, Pennsylvania State University. For an electronic copy of this resource, please direct your request to WeatherFeedback@dot.gov.
Date: 2007
Author:
Bae, Solaimanian, Stoffels
Keywords:
Subsurface conditions
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