Experimental study and numerical modeling of the thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in soil freezing with different frost penetration directions

Abstract This research work presents an experimental and numerical study of the coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) processes that occur during soil freezing. With focusing on artificial ground freezing (AGF) technology, a new testing device is built, which considers variety AGF-related boundary conditions different directions. In conducted experiments, distinction made between two thermal states: (1) The transient state, associated with ice penetration, small deformations, insignificant water suction. (2) (quasi-) steady has much longer duration significant lens formation due to modeling, special focus laid state. Besides, demonstration micro-cryo-suction mechanism its realization in continuum model through phenomenological retention-curve-like formulation presented. allows modeling stiffness degradation observed experiments. Assuming fully saturated as biphasic porous material, phase-change THM approach applied modeling. governing equations are based mechanical theory media (TPM) extended by phase-field (PFM) approach. proceeds from small-strain assumption, whereas pore fluid can be found liquid or solid state unified kinematics treatment both states. Comparisons data demonstrate ability usefulness considered describing soils.