A new criterion for strength of frozen sand under quick triaxial compression considering effect of confining pressure

The strength of frozen soils has been one of the most extensively studied aspects in frozen soil mechanics. When carrying out deep excavations using freezing methods, high stress states are often encountered. Therefore, the strength of frozen soils under high confining pressures is of major concern. This paper first reviews the present failure criteria for frozen soils, especially with regard to the effect of confining pressure on the strength. It is suggested that the strength consists of two components, cohesion and friction, and can be expressed by the Mohr–Coulomb criterion and in the framework of the Drucker–Prager criterion. However, these two components are both dependent on the stress state. Duncan’s equation for the friction angle is extended to frozen soils. A frozen Lanzhou fine sand is taken as study subject. The frozen sand is compressed at a high strain rate under three different temperatures and under a wide range of confining pressure. Experimental results have confirmed the generally recognized principle that the strength increases with the confining pressure up to certain value. Thereafter, it decreases with continued increase in confining pressure. Experimental data from our own tests and literature are fitted to the new criterion, which shows its validity.