Frozen and unfrozen soils are natural composite materials composed of soil particles and voids that can be partly or totally filled with ice or water. When the temperature of the soils decreases below 0 degree celsius, its water phase crystallises to ice, which changes its mechanical behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an experimental investigation of the behaviour of frozen and unfrozen sands in triaxial testing. The results are presented in the form of a comparative analysis of the relationships among stress, strain, and volume change of these materials tested under the same conditions of confining pressure and strain rate. In the conclusion, emphasis is given to structures that are usually subjected to such changes in behaviour because of seasonal temperature changes.
Abstract