Experimental study on the physical-mechanical properties of frozen silt

The objective of this study was to investigate the physical-mechanical characteristics of frozen Siberian silt. Unfrozen water content, uniaxial compressive strength and direct-tensile strength of frozen silt samples at different moisture contents were determined in the laboratory. Experimental results revealed that the amount of unfrozen water in the silt decreased with descending temperature and stabilized at temperatures below -10A degrees C. Even at very low temperatures a considerable amount of unfrozen water remained. Mechanical strength test results showed a strong dependence of the stress-strain behavior of the frozen silt on the moisture content and temperature. The strength for compression and tension increased with decreasing temperature and increasing moisture content. At any given temperature and moisture content compressive strength was significantly greater than tensile strength. Based on the compressive and tensile stress-strain relationship at a given temperature and moisture content, approximate values of strength ratio, failure strain ratio and deformation modulus ratio were established.