Effects of freeze-thaw cycles on sandstone in sunny and shady slopes

A growing rock engineering activity in cold regions is facing the threat of freeze-thaw(FT)weathering,especially in high mountains where the sunny-shady slope effects strongly control the difference in weathering behavior of rocks.In this paper,an investigation of the degradation of petrophysical characteristics of sandstone specimens subjected to FT cycle tests to simulate the sunny-shady slope effects is presented.To this aim,non-destructive and repeatable testing techniques including weight,ultrasonic waves,and nuclear magnetic resonance methods on standard specimens were performed.For the sunny slope specimens,accompanied by the enlargement of small pores,100 FT cycles caused a significant decrease in P-wave velocity with an average of 23%,but a consistent rise of 0.18%in mass loss,34%in porosity,67%in pore geometrical mean radius,and a remarkable 14.5-fold increase in permeability.However,slight changes with some abnormal trends in physical parameters of the shady slope specimens were observed during FT cycling,which can be attributed to superficial granular disaggregation and pore throat obstruction.Thermal shocks enhance rock weathering on sunny slopes during FT cycles,while FT weathering on shady slopes is restricted to the small pores and the superficial cover.These two factors are primarily responsible for the differences in FT weathering intensity between sunny and shady slopes.The conclusions derived from the interpretation of the experimental results may provide theoretical guidance for the design of slope-failure prevention measures and the selection of transportation routes in cold mountainous regions.

Quantification of the concrete freeze–thaw environment across the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau based on machine learning algorithms

The reasonable quantification of the concrete freezing environment on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau(QTP) is the primary issue in frost resistant concrete design, which is one of the challenges that the QTP engineering managers should take into account. In this paper, we propose a more realistic method to calculate the number of concrete freeze–thaw cycles(NFTCs) on the QTP. The calculated results show that the NFTCs increase as the altitude of the meteorological station increases with the average NFTCs being 208.7. Four machine learning methods, i.e., the random forest(RF) model, generalized boosting method(GBM), generalized linear model(GLM), and generalized additive model(GAM), are used to fit the NFTCs. The root mean square error(RMSE) values of the RF, GBM, GLM, and GAM are 32.3, 4.3, 247.9, and 161.3, respectively. The R^(2) values of the RF, GBM, GLM, and GAM are 0.93, 0.99, 0.48, and 0.66, respectively. The GBM method performs the best compared to the other three methods, which was shown by the results of RMSE and R^(2) values. The quantitative results from the GBM method indicate that the lowest, medium, and highest NFTC values are distributed in the northern, central, and southern parts of the QTP, respectively. The annual NFTCs in the QTP region are mainly concentrated at 160 and above, and the average NFTCs is 200 across the QTP. Our results can provide scientific guidance and a theoretical basis for the freezing resistance design of concrete in various projects on the QTP.

Compressive strength and frost heave resistance of different types of semi-rigid base materials after freeze-thaw cycles

Freeze-thaw damage is the most common disease of semi-rigid bases in cold regions, which may greatly affect the dura- bility of roadways. In this study, the compressive strength and frost resistance of four different types of semi-rigid bases （lime-fly ash-stabilized sand, cement-stabilized sand, lime-fly ash-stabilized gravel, and cement-stabilized gravel） are assessed by varying the materials content. Based on freeze-thaw and compressive strength tests, this paper presents the performance of the different materials, each having different physical properties, and the optimal amounts of materials contents are proposed.

Freeze–thaw resistance of eco–material stabilized loess

In the Loess Plateau in Northern China,repeated freeze–thaw(FT)cycles deteriorate the strength and structure of loess as a foundation soil,resulting in the instability or failure of supporting structure.Lignosulfonate is an eco–material,utilized as an effective and nontraditional stabilizer to improve the engineering properties of metastable soils.A series of laboratory tests,including unconfined compression tests,cyclic loading–unloading tests and scanning electron microscopy,on calcium lignosulfonate(CL)-and sodium lignosulfonate(SL)-stabilized loess were performed to investigate the stabilization effect,deterioration mechanisms of the FT cycles,and the resistance to FT cycles.Two traditional stabilizers,quicklime(QL)and sodium silicate(SS),were selected,and the engineering properties of QL-and SS-stabilized loess were compared with those of CL-and SLstabilized loess.The results showed that the strength values of CL-and SL-stabilized loess specimens decreased by 34.2%and 50%respectively,after 20 FT cycles,whereas those of the traditionally SS-and QL-stabilized specimens decreased by 85.3%and 82.87%,respectively.The elastic moduli of SL-and QL-stabilized loess specimens decreased by 22.1%and 92.0%,respectively.The mean energy dissipations of nontraditionally treated specimens also decreased significantly less than those of traditionally treated specimens.Overall,the results showed CL and SL had better stabilization effects on engineering properties of loess than QL and SS,and their stabilized loess specimens exhibited stronger resistance to FT cycles.The study findings demonstrated the significant potential of lignosulfonate for extensive application in cold loess areas.

Carbon Nanotubes and Resistance to Freeze-Thaw Cycles

The research of materials with good properties is one of the important concerns of scientists groups, and more again in region where materials are subjected to freeze and thaw cycles. In the case of this paper, it has been a matter of evaluating of the effect of carbon nanotubes on concrete resistance to freeze and thaw cycles. Thus, it has been manufactured concretes with different rates of addition (0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1% bwc) of cement by carbon nanotubes. The durability factor, determined for C30 specimens at 28 days, shows that C005 provides a better resistance to freezing-thawing cycles with a 54.96 as index.

Thinning intensity aff ects carbon sequestration and release in seasonal freeze–thaw areas

To explore how to respond to seasonal freeze–thaw cycles on forest ecosystems in the context of climate change through thinning,we assessed the potential impact of thinning intensity on carbon cycle dynamics.By varying the number of temperature cycles,the eff ects of various thinning intensities in four seasons.The rate of mass,litter organic carbon,and soil organic carbon(SOC)loss in response to temperature variations was examined in two degrees of decomposition.The unfrozen season had the highest decomposition rate of litter,followed by the frozen season.Semi-decomposed litter had a higher decomposition rate than undecomposed litter.The decomposition rate of litter was the highest when the thinning intensity was 10%,while the litter and SOC were low.Forest litter had a good carbon sequestration impact in the unfrozen and freeze–thaw seasons,while the converse was confi rmed in the frozen and thaw seasons.The best carbon sequestration impact was identifi ed in litter,and soil layers under a 20–25%thinning intensity,and the infl uence of undecomposed litter on SOC was more noticeable than that of semi-decomposed litter.Both litter and soil can store carbon:however,carbon is transported from undecomposed litter to semi-decomposed litter and to the soil over time.In summary,the best thinning intensity being 20–25%.

Change in Grain-Size Composition of Lignite under Cyclic Freezing-Thawing and Wetting-Drying

The paper presents the change in grain-size composition of lignite under cyclic freezing-thawing (FTC) and wetting-drying (WDC). The article shows that in the spring and autumn periods the lignites can be subjected to repeated freezing-thawing and wetting-drying, which determines the possibility of changing their grain-size composition and structure. Experimental studies in laboratory conditions on the influence of cyclic freezing-thawing (FTC) and wetting-drying (WDC) on the quality indicators of lignites have been carried out, their granulometric (fractional) composition has been studied. Freezing-thawing cycle conditions are as follows (FTC): minimum exposure temperature: -20°C;maximum: +5°C;relative humidity: 30%;number of processing cycles: 3. Wetting-drying cycles are as follows (WDC): drying temperatures are +20, +40, +60, +80°C, drying time 90 minutes, the coals are further subjected to rain (soaking) for a period of water saturation to humidity of 30% - 40% and dry again. The number of wetting-drying cycles is 3 times. The tests have revealed the destructive effects of FTC and WDC on the samples of lower metamorphic grade coal, and the cycles of wet-dry lead to the much higher yield of fine sizes (-6+0;-13+0 mm) than the cycles of freeze-thaw. Furthermore, it is found that the increase in the yield of fines depends on the heating temperature: coal disintegration proceeds more intensively at a higher temperature of drying.

Role of CaCl_(2) in Cold Acclimation-Induced Freezing Resistance of Populus tomentosa Cuttings

Populus tomentosa cuttings were treated with 1mmol·L -1 , 5mmol·L -1 , 10mmol·L -1 or 15mmol·L -1 of CaCl 2 for 1\|7 d, respectively, for studying the effects of different concentrations of CaCl 2 on freezing resistance. Results indicated that 10?mmol·L -1 of CaCl 2 has greater effect than other concentrations on the enhancement of freezing resistance, and the optimum time of pretreatment was 5?d. In addition, cuttings used for cold acclimation at -3℃ were pretreated with or without 10?mmol·L -1 of CaCl 2, 3?mmol·L -1 of Ca 2+ chelator EGTA, 0 05?mmol·L -1 of CaM antagonist CPZ or 0 1?mmol·L -1 of Ca 2+ channel inhibitor LaCl 3 The changes in CaM and freezing resistance of all cuttings were investigated. The results showed that cold acclimation at -3℃ increased CaM content and decreased the minimum temperature for 100% survival. The CaCl 2 pretreatment enhanced the effect of cold acclimation and obviously increased CaM content and decreased the minimum temperature for 100% survival, but this effect was strongly inhibited by the EGTA, CPZ or LaCl 3 It is concluded that the effect of CaCl 2 on freezing resistance is associated with its concentration and time of pretreatment, Ca 2+ CaM may be involved in the induction of freezing resistance of the cuttings.

Effects of Cold Acclimation and CaCl_2 on Total Soluble Protein, CaM and Freezing Resistance of Populus tomentosa Seedlings

Populus tomentosa seedlings used for cold acclimation at -3℃ were pretreated with or without 10?mmol·L -1 CaCl 2, 3?mmol·L -1 of Ca 2+ chelator EGTA, 0 1?mmol·L -1 of Ca 2+ channel inhibitor LaCl 3,and 0 05?mmol·L -1 of CaM antagonist CPZ. The changes in the contents of total soluble protein and CaM, and freezing resistance in all pretreated seedlings in various periods ( viz: following cold acclimation, chilling stress and recovery) were investigated. Results showed that cold acclimation increased the contents of total soluble protein and CaM, and freezing resistance of seedlings, which could be strongly reduced by the pretreatments of EGTA CPZ and LaCl 3 Cold acclimation combined with CaCl 2 pretreatment enhanced the effect of cold acclimation on freezing resistance, and obviously increased the contents of total soluble protein and CaM, reduced the declining degree of the contents of total soluble protein and CaM caused by chilling stress as compared with cold acclimation, augmented the increase in the level of total soluble protein and CaM during the recovery periods. Further analysis found that an increase in total soluble protein content during cold acclimation with or without CaCl 2 pretreatment mainly resulted from the increase in content of heat stable protein in total soluble protein. It is suggested that Ca 2+ calmodulin may be involved in the synthesis of total soluble protein, and the induction of freezing resistance of seedlings.

Cold Acclimation-Induced Changes in Total Soluble Protein, RNA, DNA, RNase and Freezing Resistance in Populus tomentosa Cuttings

The changes in the contents of total soluble protein and RNA, the activity of RNase in leaves and branches of Populus tomentosa cuttings at various periods (viz: cold acclimation, deacclimation, chilling stress and the recovery after chilling stress), and the survival rate and the freezing resistance of cuttings during cold acclimation at -3℃ were investigated. Results showed that cold acclimation not only increased the contents of total soluble protein and RNA, the survival rates and the freezing resistance of cuttings, decreased the activity of RNase, but also reduced the declining degree of total soluble protein and RNA contents, and the increasing level of RNase caused by chilling stress as compared with the controls. In addition, cold acclimation augmented the increase in the level of total soluble protein and RNA, and facilitated the decrease of RNase during the recovery periods. Further analysis found that the DNA content of all treatments kept relative stability at various periods. The changes in total soluble protein, RNA and RNase were closely related to the freezing resistance of cuttings. It appears that the increase of RNA content caused by cold acclimation induced decrease of RNase activity may be involved in the accumulation of total soluble protein and the induction of freezing resistance of cuttings.

Coupling of the Calculated Freezing and Thawing Front Parameterization in the Earth System Model CAS-ESM

The soil freezing and thawing process affects soil physical properties,such as heat conductivity,heat capacity,and hydraulic conductivity in frozen ground regions,and further affects the processes of soil energy,hydrology,and carbon and nitrogen cycles.In this study,the calculation of freezing and thawing front parameterization was implemented into the earth system model of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS-ESM)and its land component,the Common Land Model(CoLM),to investigate the dynamic change of freezing and thawing fronts and their effects.Our results showed that the developed models could reproduce the soil freezing and thawing process and the dynamic change of freezing and thawing fronts.The regionally averaged value of active layer thickness in the permafrost regions was 1.92 m,and the regionally averaged trend value was 0.35 cm yr–1.The regionally averaged value of maximum freezing depth in the seasonally frozen ground regions was 2.15 m,and the regionally averaged trend value was–0.48 cm yr–1.The active layer thickness increased while the maximum freezing depth decreased year by year.These results contribute to a better understanding of the freezing and thawing cycle process.

Response of Freezing/Thawing Indexes to the Wetting Trend under Warming Climate Conditions over the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau during 1961–2010:A Numerical Simulation

Since the 1990s,the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau(QTP)has experienced a strikingly warming and wetter climate that alters the thermal and hydrological properties of frozen ground.A positive correlation between the warming and thermal degradation in permafrost or seasonally frozen ground(SFG)has long been recognized.Still,a predictive relationship between historical wetting under warming climate conditions and frozen ground has not yet been well demonstrated,despite the expectation that it will become even more important because precipitation over the QTP has been projected to increase continuously in the near future.This study investigates the response of the thermal regime to historical wetting in both permafrost and SFG areas and examines their relationships separately using the Community Land Surface Model version 4.5.Results show that wetting before the 1990s across the QTP mainly cooled the permafrost body in the arid and semiarid zones,with significant correlation coefficients of 0.60 and 0.48,respectively.Precipitation increased continually at the rate of 6.16 mm decade–1 in the arid zone after the 1990s but had a contrasting warming effect on permafrost through a significant shortening of the thawing duration within the active layer.However,diminished rainfall in the humid zone after the 1990s also significantly extended the thawing duration of SFG.The relationship between the ground thawing index and precipitation was significantly negatively correlated(−0.75).The dual effects of wetting on the thermal dynamics of the QTP are becoming critical because of the projected increases in future precipitation.

The mechanism underlying overwintering death in poplar:the cumulative effect of effective freeze-thaw damage

We analyzed the relationships linking overwintering death and frost cracking to temperature and sunlight as well as the effects of low temperatures and freeze–thaw cycles on bud-burst rates,relative electrical conductivity,and phloem and cambial ultrastructures of poplar.Overwintering death rates of poplar were not correlated with negative accumulated temperature or winter minimum temperature.Freeze–thaw cycles caused more bud damage than constant exposure to low temperatures.Resistance to freeze–thaw cycles differed among clones,and the budburst rate decreased with increasing exposure to freeze–thaw cycles.Cold-resistant clones had the lowest relative electrical conductivity.Chloroplasts exhibited the fastest and the most obvious reaction to freeze–thaw damage,whereas a single freeze–thaw cycle caused little damage to cambium ultrastructure.Several such cycles resulted in damage to plasma membranes,severe damage to organelles,dehydration of cells and cell death.We conclude that overwintering death of poplar is mainly attributed to the accumulation of effective freeze–thaw damage beyond the limits of freeze–thaw resistance.

Effects of Freeze–thaw Cycles on Soil Mechanical and Physical Properties in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Extreme freeze-thaw action occurs on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau due to its unique climate resulting from high elevation and cold temperature.This action causes damage to the surface soil structure, as soil erosion in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is dominated by freeze-thaw erosion.In this research,freezing–thawing process of the soil samples collected from the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau was carried out by laboratory experiments to determinate the volume variation of soil as well as physical and mechanical properties, such as porosity, granularity and uniaxial compressive strength, after the soil experiences various freeze–thaw cycles.Results show that cohesion and uniaxial compressive strength decreased as the volume and porosity of the soil increased after experiencing various freeze–thaw cycles, especially in the first six freeze–thaw cycles.Consequently, the physical and mechanical properties of the soil were altered.However, granularity and internal friction angle did not vary significantly with an increase in the freeze–thaw cycle.The structural damage among soil particles due to frozen water expansion was the major cause of changes in soil mechanical behavior in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.

Classification and Assessment of Freeze-Thaw Erosion in Tibet, China

Based on the analysis of existing relevant research result, a theoretical basis for the defining freeze- thaw erosion zones of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau was been put forward, and a equation for calculating the altitude of the lower bound of the freeze-thaw erosion zones of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau was been established in this paper. Moreover, the freeze-thaw erosion zones in Tibet was been identified by using Geographical Information System (GIS) software. Next, based on the comprehensive analysis of impact factors of freeze-thaw erosion, this paper chooses annul temperature range, slop and vegetation as three indexes, works out the criteria for relative classification of freeze-thaw erosion, and realizes the relative classification of the freeze-thaw erosion in Tibet under the support of GIS software. Then, a synthetic assessment of freeze-thaw erosion in Tibet was been done according to the relative classification result.

Effect of freeze-thaw cycles on uniaxial mechanical properties of cohesive coarse-grained soils

Freeze-thaw cycles are closely related to the slope instability in high-altitude mountain regions. In this study, cohesive coarse-grained soils were collected from a high-altitude slope in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau to study the effect of cyclic freeze-thaw on their uniaxial mechanical properties. The soil specimens were remolded with three dry densities and three moisture contents. Then, after performing a series of freeze-thaw tests in a closed system without water supply, the soil specimens were subjected to a uniaxial compression test. The results showed that the stress-strain curves of the tested soils mainly performed as strain-softening. The softening feature intensified with the increasing dry density but weakened with an increase in freeze-thaw cycles and moisture content. The uniaxial compressive strength, resilient modulus, residual strength and softening modulus decreased considerably with the increase of freeze-thaw cycles. After more than nine freeze-thaw cycles, these four parameters tended to be stable. These parameters increased with the increase of dry density and decreased with the increasing moisture content, except for the residual strength which did not exhibit any clear variation with an increase in moisture content. The residual strength, however, generally increased with an increase in dry density. The soil structural damage caused by frozen water expansion during the freeze-thaw is the major cause for the changes in mechanical behaviors of cohesive coarse-grained soils. With results in this study, the deterioration effect of freeze-thaw cycles on the mechanical properties of soils should be considered during the slope stability analysis in high-altitude mountain regions.

Experimental study of dynamic resilient modulus of subgrade soils under coupling of freeze–thaw cycles and dynamic load

Although the dynamic properties of subgrade soils in seasonally frozen areas have already been studied, few researchers have considered the influence of shallow groundwater during the freeze–thaw(F–T) cycles. So a multifunctional F–T cycle system was developed to imitate the groundwater recharge in the subgrade during the freezing process and a large number of dynamic triaxial experiments were conducted after the F–T cycles. Some significant factors including the F–T cycle number, compaction degree, confining pressure, cyclic deviator stress, loading frequency, and water content were investigated for the resilient modulus of soils. The experimental results indicated that the dynamic resilient modulus of the subgrade was negatively correlated with the cyclic deviator stress, F–T cycle number, and initial water content, whereas the degree of compaction, confining pressure, and loading frequency could enhance the resilient modulus. Furthermore, a modified model considering the F–T cycle number and stress state was established to predict the dynamic resilient modulus. The calculated results of this modified model were very close to the experimental results. Consequently, calculation of the resilient modulus for F–T cycles considering the dynamic load was appropriate. This study provides reference for research focusing on F–T cycles with groundwater supply and the dynamic resilient moduli of subgrade soils in seasonally frozen areas.

Numerical simulation based on two-directional freeze and thaw algorithm for thermal diffusion model

Freeze-thaw processes significantly modulate hydraulic and thermal char- acteristics of soil. The changes in the frost and thaw fronts （FTFs） affect the water and energy cycles between the land surface and the atmosphere. Thus, the frozen soil com- prising permafrost and seasonally frozen soil has important effects on the land surface hydrology in cold regions. In this study, a two-directional freeze and thaw algorithm is incorporated into a thermal diffusion equation for simulating FTFs. A local adaptive variable-grid method is used to discretize the model. Sensitivity tests demonstrate that the method is stable and FTFs can be tracked continuously. The FTFs and soil tempera- ture at the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau D66 site are simulated hourly from September 1, 1997 to September 22, 1998. The results show that the incorporated model performs much better in the soil temperature simulation than the original thermal diffusion equation, showing potential applications of the method in land-surface process modeling.

Effects of Freeze/Thaw Cycles and Gas Purging Method on Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

At subzero temperature, the startup capability and performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) deteriorates markedly. The object of this work is to study the degradation mechanism of key components of PEMFC-membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) and seek feasible measures to avoid degradation. The effect of freeze/thaw cycles on the structure of MEA is investigated based on porosity and SEM measurement. The performance of a single cell was also tested before and after repetitious freeze/thaw cycles. The experimental results indicated that the performance of a PEMFC decreased along with the total operating time as well as the pore size distribution shifting and micro configuration changing. However, when the redundant water had been removed by gas purging, the performance of the PEMFC stack was almost resumed when it experienced again the same subzero temperature test. These results show that it is necessary to remove the water in PEMFCs to maintain stable performance under subzero temperature and gas purging is proved to be the effective operation.

Cracking in an expansive soil under freeze–thaw cycles

Expansive soils located in cold regions can easily endure the action of frost heaving and cyclic freezing–thawing. Cracking can also occur in expansive clayey soils under freeze–thaw cycles, of which little attention has been paid on this issue.In this study, laboratory experiment and cracking analysis were performed on an expansive soil. Crack patterns were quantitatively analyzed using the fractal concept. The relationships among crack pattern, water loss, number of freeze–thaw cycles, and fractal dimension were discussed. It was found that crack patterns on the surface exhibit a hierarchical network structure that is fractal at a statistical level. Cracks induced by freeze–thaw cycles are shorter, more irregularly oriented,and slowly evolves from an irregularly rectilinear pattern towards a polygonal or quasi–hexagonal one; water loss, closely related to specimen thickness, plays a significant role in the process of soil cracking; crack development under freeze-thaw cycles are not only attributed to capillary effect, but also to expansion and absorption effects.