Determination of Frost Penetration by Soil Resistivity Measurements.
Abstract
Because of freezing point depression and isothermal springtime conditions, frost penetration measurements using temperature-sensing devices can become unreliable. In recognition of this problem two sensors that depend on changes in soil resistivity were tested. Tests were conducted under a parking area with an asphalt-concrete surface where salt was periodically applied as part of snow removal operations. For comparison, data were obtained from a resistivity probe, a thermocouple probe and a thermistor probe. Results indicated that measuring temperature to determine frost penetration can lead to large errors under some conditions, for instance when salt has been applied or when frost is coming out of the ground in spring. The resistivity probe performed reliability during the entire measurement program. It was conluded that resistivity probes have definite advantages which should be considered when future frost penetration measurement programs are designed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA071990
Entities
People
- Ronald T. Atkins
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory