Development of specialized laboratory equipment to simulate and study frost heave uplift forces on pile foundations

ABSTRACT: Piles embedded in frost-susceptible soils may experience significant uplift forces due to soil freezing, potentially leading to upward displacements which could compromise the overlying superstructure. The focus of the research presented herein is on the ongoing development of specialized laboratory-scale testing equipment to simulate and capture the results of the phenomenon of frost heaving of pile foundations; the main purpose of the research being to review the guidelines established in relation to frost heave uplift forces and propose updates as needed. Strain gauges serve as the principal instrumentation in the current test setup for measuring frost heave forces along the shaft of the test pile. Additional details regarding the methodology behind the developed testing equipment as well as the calibration procedures related to some of the various implemented sensors are also discussed.