Journal of Shandong University(Engineering Science) ›› 2026, Vol. 56 ›› Issue (5): 111-123.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1672-3961.0.2025.032

• Civil Engineering • Previous Articles    

The influence of freeze-thaw cycles and salt content on microscopic and shear characteristics of saturated silty soil

Lü Zhonghua1, Zhang Qi1, Chen Guolong1, Chen Rong2*, Chen Youhui1, Wang Ziru1   

  1. Lü Zhonghua1, Zhang Qi1, Chen Guolong1, Chen Rong2*, Chen Youhui1, Wang Ziru1(1. Economic and Technical Research Institute, Liaoning Electric Power Co., Ltd., State Grid Corporation of China, Shenyang 110167, Liaoning, China;
    2. School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Northeast Electric Power University, Jilin 132012, Jilin, China
  • Published:2026-10-19

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Abstract: To investigate the effects of freeze-thaw cycles on the micro pore distribution, the strength and modulus of saturated soil, freeze-thaw cycles were applied to saturated silt samples with different salt contents, followed by nuclear magnetic resonance testing and consolidated undrained triaxial tests. The results showed that freeze-thaw cycles damaged the structure of saturated soil, leading to the formation of medium and large pores. However, the compaction effect was improved and the damage was partially repaired by consolidation. After six cycles of "damage-repair", the strength of the saturated soil decreased slightly, while the modulus decreased significantly after one freeze-thaw cycle. Salt content had a significant impact on the pore size distribution of the soil; cations influenced the electrical double layer, resulting in the formation of large pores, but also improved consolidation. Under the combined effects of salt-induced structural damage and consolidation repair, the strength of saline soil decreased with increasing salt content, with a more pronounced decrease under higher stress levels. Freeze-thaw cycles caused salt cementation, which played a role in repairing damage; one freeze-thaw cycle could increase the strength of saline soil. This study could provide a basis for determining stability analysis parameters for ditch slope protection, shore engineering, and low-permeability foundations in seasonally frozen regions.

Key words: freeze-thaw cycles, salt content, saturated silt, mechanical properties, microscopic characteristics

CLC Number: 

  • TU432
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