Finite element method for time-dependent problems of frozen soils

Ground freezing technology is favoured in civil engineering, mainly in tunnelling. The time-dependent material characteristics in the form of creep control the bearing capacity of any frozen earth support system. The finite element method in connection with an initial strain algorithm is able to include these effects. The information about stress redistribution and deformation rate is important for an economic design. Case histories of different tunnel linings in frozen soil and two other examples of realized projects show the usefulness of such a procedure.