Earth’s Cryosphere, 2009, Vol. XIII, No. 1, p. 31-39

ON THE THEORY OF STRENGTH OF FROZEN GROUND

A.A. Konovalov

Tyumen State Oil and Gas University, 625000, Tyumen,Volodarskogo str., 38, Russia

The presence of two mechanisms (types) of destruction of frozen ground is shown. Both types are connected with phase transitions of soil water. The first, working about a melting point, gradually converts the frozen ground into a liquid-like state. The second, working far from a melting point, is a brittle failure, many-parts-breakup, practically without preliminary deformation. The formulas of longterm strength and time-deformation trend are obtained for both mechanisms of destruction.

Key words: Frozen ground, strength, deformation, durabilityty, destruction.