Experimental Study on the Effects of Freeze–Thaw Cycles on Strength and Microstructure of Xining Region Loess in China

Loess, a collapsible soil, is widely distributed in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau China. In meantime, loess sustainable and green building material that used traditional residential buildings. However, previous studies have focused on properties of itself, ignoring influence climatic conditions buildings, as well series engineering problems such soil spalling caused by freezing thawing, cold cracks walls, settlement deformation foundation. This research presents laboratory tests both undisturbed remolded loess. The investigated changes unconfined compressive strength (UCS) types after different freeze–thaw cycles. freeze–thaw-induced to internal structures were also using scanning electron microscope (SEM) X-ray diffraction test (XRD). results showed that: (1) with increasing cycles, UCS appeared first increase then decrease, stress–strain curves stronger strain-softening tendency. (2) higher than (3) SEM analysis large particles inside sample gradually broken down into small particles, which led an accumulative fine decrease porosity. With number become denser, increases. (4) Freezing thawing less effect minerals. (5) conclusion can provide reference value for protection buildings Qinghai management disasters.