Determination of Depth of Frost Penetration by the method specified in U.S.

Army
Corps of Engineers, reference of which has also been given in IRC : SP 48 ( Hill
Road Manual)

Depth of Frost Penetration (x) = 48 * K * n * (FI)

L

Where, = Dimensionless co-efficient which takes into consideration the effect of

temperature changes in the soil mass. It is determined from the graph presented in Fig 3.1
of U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Specification corresponding to Thermal Ratio ( ) and
Fusion Parameter ( ).
Thermal Ratio ( ) = V0 / VS,
where V0 = Mean Annual Temperature (MAT) 320F (320F is considered as freezing
point of water).
Fusion Parameter ( ) = VS * (C/L),
where VS = (n* FI)/t. Here, n is the conversion factor for air freezing (or thawing) to
Surface freezing (or thawing) index. The typical values of n are given in Table 2-4 of U.S
Army Corps Engineers

Type of surface For freezing conditions For thawing conditions

Snow surface 1.0 -
Portland Cement Concrete 0.75 1.5
Bituminous Pavement 0.7 1.6 to 2.0
Bare soil 0.7 1.4 to 2.0
Shaded surface 0.9 1.0
Turf 0.5 0.8
Tree covered 0.3 0.4

FI is the Freezing Index which is the summation of degree days for a freezing and
thawing season. If T1 is the maximum daily air temperature T2 is the minimum daily air
temperature, the average daily air temperature Tavg = * (T1 + T2) and the no. of degree-
days for the day = Tavg 32.
Alternatively, FI can also be calculated from average monthly temperature. FI or TI is
determined by finding out area between 320F line and the curve of average monthly
temperature and time, taken over the appropriate season.
t = length of freezing season in days.

C = Average volumetric heat capacity (the quantity of heat required to change the
temperature of a unit volume by 10F = d ( c + 0.75* w /100), where d = dry unit wt. Of
soil and w = water content of soil in % of dry weight.and c = specific heat of soil solids
which is taken as 0.17 for most of the soil.
L = Volumetric latent heat of fusion which is the quantity of heat required to melt the ice
(or freeze the water) in a unit volume of the soil without a change in temperature, is
expressed in British Thermal Unit (Btu) per ft3.= 144 * d * w /100.

With the values of C, L, t, FI, n and V0, we can find out the values of Thermal Ratio ( )
and Fusion Parameter ( ) corresponding to which the value of co-efficient is
determined from the graph shown in Fig.3.1 of U. S. Army corps. Of Engineers

K = Average Thermal Conductivity which is the average of Average thermal

conductivity in frozen condition (Kf) and Average thermal conductivity in un-frozen
condition (Ku). These can be obtained from the graphs shown in fig. 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4
depending upon the type of soil.

K = (Kf + Ku)

Now, putting the values of , K, n, (FI) and L in the above equation, the frost
penetration depth can be determined.