Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different measures to reduce or eliminate frost heave. The evaluation was done by specifying three types of fixes, all of which included subexcavation and the use of different drainage fabrics and drainage structures. The sites were monitored by baseline surveying, frost heave surveying, and frost depth monitoring before and after construction to measure the effect of frost heave mitigation measures. In addition, costs were evaluated to determine the economics of the different methods. The most effective methods of eliminating frost heave were the use of substantial depths of subexcavation and backfill with nonfrost-susceptible material and positive methods of ensuring drainage from the subgrade. When both costs and effectiveness were considered, the traditional method of eliminating frost heave by excavation and replacement with a nonfrost-susceptible material was the most expensive method for the amount of frost heave reduced. Using capillary break geocomposite materials to thoroughly remove water was by far the most practical and cost-effective method of reducing frost heave.
