Cryosuction and Its Role in Infrastructure Distress from Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Pavement infrastructure in cold regions experiences significant distress due to freeze-thaw cycles, which govern moisture migration, frost heave, and post-thaw weakening. Cryosuction, the process by which water is drawn toward freezing fronts due to soil suction, plays a critical role in this phenomenon by intensifying frost heave and accelerating pavement deterioration. However, the influence of cryosuction on moisture migration and subsequent pavement damage remains insufficiently understood, particularly concerning varying soil properties, salinity levels, and environmental conditions. The proposed study aims to quantify the role of cryosuction in moisture distribution during freeze-thaw cycles and examine its effects on soil freezing characteristic curves (SFCC) and soil water characteristic curves (SWCC) across different salinity levels. An experimental approach will be employed, involving soil suction measurements, moisture content analysis, and frost heave observations using advanced geotechnical instrumentation in a setup that will be fabricated as a part of this study. The results will provide clarification regarding the relationship between cryosuction, soil properties, and pavement distress, enabling the development of advanced models and potential mitigation strategies. This study through its findings will contribute to the design of more resilient pavement systems, reducing maintenance costs and extending infrastructure lifespan in cold climates.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.ctips.org/projects/details.php?id=639

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $147,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348308

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Center for Transformative Infrastructure Preservation and Sustainability

  North Dakota State University
  Fargo, North Dakota  United States  58108-6050
• Project Managers:

  Tolliver, Denver

• Performing Organizations:

  South Dakota State University

  Civil & Environmental Engineering
  Brookings, SD  United States 
• Principal Investigators:

  Banerjee, Aritra

• Start Date: 20250321
• Expected Completion Date: 20270320
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
• Source Data: CTIPS-041

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Freeze thaw durability; Frigid regions; Frost heaving; Moisture content; Pavement distress; Soil suction; Soil water
• Subject Areas: Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01950583
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Center for Transformative Infrastructure Preservation and Sustainability
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348308
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Apr 3 2025 12:34PM