Studies on the Physical Properties of Soil Concerned in the Relative Difficulties of the Growth of Frost Pillars

Abstract

It is observed that frost pillars show different growing rates according to soil types and densities. The study was carried out to clarify this cause of the difference in the growing rates. Two types of masa soil (decomposed granite soils) and Kanto loam, each with two levels of density, were prepared, and the physical properties such as the heatconductivity, the specific surface and the pore distribution were investigated as a possible cause of the difference.
The results obtained are summarized as follows;
1. Frost pillars grow in lower height on the masa soil 1 than the masa soil 2, and this soil than Kanto loam.
2. Frost pillars grow less on the soil with higher density.
3. On the soil of a higher heat conductivity, frost pillars begin to grow later.
4. The soil, of the less specific surface and small pores, has frozen rather soon and the frost pillars stop to grow sooner.
5. The soil with a higher density has a higher heat conductivity and less water available.