REDUCTION OF FROST HEAVE DEPTH USING COMPOST FOR GEOTEXTILE REINFORCED EARTH WALLS

Abstract

Recent reports have detailed the deformation of geotextile-reinforced earth walls due to frost heaving in cold regions. The results of related studies conducted so far indicate that replacement with gravel ? a frost heave-resistant material ? is highly effective in preventing such deformation. Toward the further reduction of the depth of frost penetration into embankments, compost was mixed into gravel in view of the former’s expected insulation effects. The adoption of this approach was found to reduce the depth of frost penetration, slightly reduce the depth of frost heave, and enable the planting of trees on gravel-based ground.