Study on frost heaving characteristics of gravel soil pavement structures of airports in Alpine regions

Abstract

In order to study frost heaving characteristics of gravel soil pavement structures of airports in alpine regions, we designed a 1 : 10 small pavement structure model to conduct laboratory tests. Temperature, moisture, and frost heaving quantity in pavements were analyzed. Based on laboratory tests, a final element model (FEM) was prepared. Results show that the temperature in our pavement, except for surface temperature, remained unchanged for a period of time at 0 °C. At the same depth, the temperature in a soil surface area was lower. In the process of freezing, moisture in the pavement moved up and towards the soil surface area. At the same depth, moisture content in a soil surface area was higher and moisture content in the upper layer of the soil surface area was the highest. Total frost heaving quantity in the pavement shoulder area was greater than that of the pavement area. Results of laboratory tests and FEM were consistent with those of field tests, suggesting that frost heave models constructed for this paper have reasonable accuracy and reliability. These results can provide theoretical guidance for frost heaving characteristics analysis. Moreover, this paper can help provide optimization designs for airport pavement structures in alpine regions.