The Effects of Freeze–thaw on Particle Characteristics of Saturated Silty Sand

Soil particle properties dictate the overall mechanical behavior of soil, and the freeze–thaw (FT) process influences the behavior of saturated silty sand particles. The transformation of silty sand from freeze to thaw using the sand rain technique employs electron microscopy and particle size/particle shape analysis to investigate how FT dynamics impact the properties of particles in aquatic settings. Findings indicate that the FT process likely leads to the breaking of particles in the 60–200 μm range and may normalize the particles in the 40~300 μm range. The process of FT cycles leads to a rearrangement of the fully saturated silty sand particles. As FT cycles increase, the alignment of the soil particles diminishes. Both the overall rate of particle size and shape alteration in silt sand exhibit hyperbolic growth as the duration of FT cycles extends. Reducing the freezing point, increasing the level of compaction, and elevating the concentration of fine particles collectively may intensify the impact of FT cycles on the overall size and shape of silty sand particles. This study aids in examining how FT dynamics impact silty sand's physical and mechanical characteristics, aiding in the engineering design of construction in colder regions or synthetic freezing to guarantee safety during building and operation.