Analytical and numerical studies on the behavior of a freezing soil layer

This paper focuses on investigating how a particular but classical configuration of finite homogeneous soil layer, once studied by Terzaghi and currently subjected to freezing temperatures, behaves different boundary conditions can intervene affect the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) responses. Spatial homogeneity is strong assumption has decisive advantage simplicity, allowing eventually construction an analytical solution, useful both enhance understanding as benchmark. The essential relations constitutive behavior saturated poroelastic soils are firstly recalled, in general non-linear case where material parameters state-dependent. Solutions linearized governing equations with constant state-dependent then developed respectively derivation commercial code COMSOL based elements method accounting for two sets conditions. validity this numerical modelling partially verified using solution limiting state-independent parameters. Comparison between results given solutions model reveals important impact ice content variations various that modify significantly THM Nonetheless, give correct order-of-magnitude estimate, especially at moderate temperature variations, remain tool preliminary design checks. Numerical hydraulic ground surface reveal such factors evolution mass. In last part paper, limited parametric study effect permeability relative liquid water flow highlights parameter plays role development excess pressures hence movements.