Deformation Caused by Frost Heave on a Rock Slope of Mudstone

In this study, we measured freezing depth, amount of frost heave, and weathering depth of a mudstone slope where damage had occurred. In addition, rocks collected from the survey field were subjected to a frost heave test and a slaking test. The results of the laboratory tests show that the rocks collected at the survey field were easy to slake and had high frost susceptibility. The field survey showed that the rock slope frost heaves significantly in winter and that the surface layer of the slope thaws in spring and becomes extremely weak. Furthermore, the weathering depth of the rock slope was found to be in good agreement with the freezing depth. On the other hand, the weathering depth of the rock slope did not change during the summer, and no slaking was observed due to repeated wetting and drying.