One-Dimensional Large-Strain Thaw Thermoconsolidation Model for Frozen Saturated Soil under High Temperature

Abstract

The existing theories or numerical models of thaw consolidation for frozen soil rarely consider the influence of the thermal effect, so it is difficult to analyze the problem of thaw thermoconsolidation for frozen soil under high temperature. Using the piecewise linear approach and finite-difference method, a one-dimensional large strain thaw thermoconsolidation model, called TTCS1, is established for frozen saturated soil under high temperature. The model couples the heat transfer with phase change of frozen soil and the thermoconsolidation deformation, and accounts for the nonlinear changes of soil parameters and large strain during the process of thaw thermoconsolidation under high temperature. When the thermal effect is ignored, TTCS1 shows excellent agreement with the existing large strain thaw consolidation model. When the thermal effect is considered, the numerical solutions of the TTCS1 model are basically consistent with the test values. The influences of the thermal effect, boundary temperature, and boundary conditions on the thaw thermoconsolidation for frozen silty clay are further discussed, and the settlement and settlement rate of frozen soil under high temperature will be significantly underestimated if the thermal effect is not considered.