Mechanical behavior assessment of retaining wall structure due to frost heave of frozen ground

Abstract

Frost heave action is a major issue in permafrost regions, leading to various geotechnical engineering problems. In this study, we assess the mechanical behavior of a concrete retaining wall subjected to frost heave under different ground conditions. The assessment utilizes ABAQUS integrated with several user subroutines. The numerical simulation model employs a thermo-mechanical coupled analysis with a porosity rate function, which enables to simulate time-dependent variations in porosity and frost heave of the backfill soil. After verification of the predictive reliability of the simulation model, the frost heave action in the soil and mechanical response of the retaining wall were evaluated regarding the initial groundwater level and presence of a drainage material on the backside of the retaining wall. According to the simulation results, as the initial groundwater level decreased in the backfill soil, the area susceptible to frost heave decreased. However, the von Mises stresses applied to the retaining wall increased. Under the same ground conditions, when the drainage material was installed on the backside of the retaining wall, the frost heave pressure acting on the wall significantly decreased, and less deformation and distortion of the retaining wall occurred.