Abstract
The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of freeze-thaw sequence on the mechanical behavior of crushable volcanic coarse-grained soils. A new test apparatus, which can simulate freeze-thaw sequence in real foundations, was developed and a series of triaxial compression tests and water retention tests were performed. Test results showed that the freeze-thaw sequence made the amount of particle breakage increase, and as the result its strength decreases and water retention capacity increases by being exposed to freeze-thaw action. This indicates that the freeze-thaw action has strong influences on the mechanical behavior of crushable volcanic soils even if the soil lacks in frost heave characteristics.
