An analysis of the influences of groundwater level changes on the frost heave and mechanical properties of trapezoidal channels

Abstract In this research study, platforms with different heights were established for the purpose of simulating the different groundwater level conditions. Combined with the prototype channel, the influences of the groundwater level changes on the frost heave deformations in the foundation soil and on the frost heave force of the channel, as well as on the bending moment of the channel section and water content migration of the foundation soil, were studied by the method of mechanical analysis. The research results show that, after a comparative analysis of the ground temperatures in the same layer had been completed, the difference value was found to have been less than 5%. The frost heave of the foundation soil had decreased by 0.15 cm for every 1 cm reduction in the groundwater level. In addition, the maximum frost heave force of the channel was shown to have varied with the change of groundwater level. This study's theoretical calculations determined that the most unsafe groundwater level of a typical channel was 2.61 m. It was concluded that the increase of groundwater level can reduce the amount of soil moisture transfer, while the influence of groundwater level on frost heave of foundation soil can be effectively reduced by laying polystyrene boards.