In cold regions, various geotechnical disasters often occur during the snowmelt and fusion processes of frozen ground early in spring. Snowmelt affects the slope stability in spring in snowy regions. On the other hand, in cold regions with less snow, the increase in the water content at the ground surface layer by the fusion of frozen ground contributes to slope failure. However, the actual condition is not clear because there have been few cases of site investigation on the moisture status in the fusion process. This paper deals with the results of long-term observation to clarify the water situation in the fusion process. In addition, indoor experiments have been carried out on a model of the ground to clarify the changes in the strength in the fusion process of frozen ground.

Copyright (c) 2002 Railway Technical Research Institute