Numerical simulation of frost jacking response of a single pile considering hydro-thermo-mechanical coupling

Abstract

Permafrost is widely distributed in China and around the world. In permafrost regions, soil frost heave and thawing are severe and frequent, and can destabilize pile foundations. To this end, a finite element model of a single pile in frozen soil is established to investigate the frost heave and frost jacking response to ensure its safety in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Firstly, a hydro-thermal coupling model of a single pile in frozen soil is established based on coupling parameters and initial and boundary conditions. Then the temperature and moisture distributions are analyzed through the established coupling model. A hydro-thermo-mechanical coupling model is developed by importing the ice content and temperature results. Simulation results indicate that the amount of frost heave is greater at locations closer to the ground surface, and the displacement is smaller for frozen soil that is closer to the side of the pile. The results on frost jacking behavior of piles from this study can serve as a reference for the design, construction and maintenance of foundations.