ABSTRACT
Structure is the essential factor to influence the mechanical properties of soil. Because of its special structure, the mechanical property of frozen soil is more complicated than unfrozen soil. To express the engineering properties of frozen soil accurately, it is necessary to study its structure quantitatively. In this paper, the forming mechanism of structure of frozen soil and the acting mechanism on its mechanical properties are analyzed. It is proposed that the structure of frozen soil, like unfrozen soil, includes two aspects, i.e., the linkage and arrangement of soil particles. The most sensitive factors for structure of frozen soil are temperature and water content. The authors’ new thought is introduced to study the structure of frozen soil quantitatively.
