Numerical Modeling of Structure‐Frozen Soil/Ice Interaction

Abstract

A finite element computer code is developed to analyze the creep deformation of frozen media by using a time‐incrementing algorithm and the power‐law constitutive model to describe creep. The accuracy of the code is established by simulating a cavity expansion problem in a thick‐walled cylinder of viscoelastic material, and the deflection of a viscoelastic beam under a vertical load, and comparing the numerical results with the available analytical results. The code is then used to model static‐loaded and penetration‐rate—controlled penetrometer tests on frozen soils, using three indenter shapes. Load‐displacement‐time relationships thus developed could later be useful for interpretation of creep properties in the field. Modeling the interaction between embedded cylindrical foundations and frozen soils shows the strong influence of the creep parameters on the settlement behavior. The code is presented as a convenient tool to obtain a preliminary estimate of the time‐dependent performance of foundation elements on permafrost and ice.