Thaw–Consolidation of Some Layered Systems

In order to assess the stability and deformation qualities of thawing arctic soils, a theory of thaw–consolidation must be established to predict the dissipation of excess pore fluids. The predictive power of current mathematical models is considerably enhanced by consideration of some common depart...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian Geotechnical Journal
Main Author: Nixon, John F.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1973
Subjects:
Ice
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/t73-057
http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/t73-057
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Summary:In order to assess the stability and deformation qualities of thawing arctic soils, a theory of thaw–consolidation must be established to predict the dissipation of excess pore fluids. The predictive power of current mathematical models is considerably enhanced by consideration of some common departures from homogeneity. In the first instance a permafrost profile of two different soil types is analyzed numerically, each layer having different thermal and geotechnical properties. The presence of a surficial layer, although minor in extent, may influence for a considerable time the behavior of the underlying layer. Secondly, the excess pore pressures in a fine-grained soil overlying an ice layer are treated theoretically, and the results suggest that foundation conditions over a thawing ice layer may not be as critical as sometimes is supposed.