Experimental study on the effect of frost heave prevention using soilbags

This paper introduces a new method to prevent frost heave in cold regions using soilbags (bags filled with soils). The mechanism of the proposed treatment method is introduced. A number of tests of soilbag frost heave, thawing settlement and strength were conducted in the laboratory on soilbags filled with soils. The results showed that soilbags exhibit less frost heave and thawing settlement than soils for the same conditions. In addition, the strength of soilbags was not affected by increasing the number of freeze-thaw cycles. These findings indicate that soilbags can not only prevent frost heave but also inhibit capillary water and film water migration through soilbags.

► A new method to prevent frost heave in cold regions using soilbags. ► The mechanism of the proposed treatment method is introduced. ► Soilbags can inhibit capillary water and film water migration through soilbags. ► The strength of soilbags was not affected by increasing the number of freeze-thaw cycles.