Winter construction, earthworks
Winter construction, earthworks
(OP)
I am facing a contractor who is proposing winter construction in a harsh environment (no permafrost), with a freeze depth of around 2m or so. My opinion is that there should be no frozen soils in any earthworks fill. Again my view, is that frozen soils are not engineered fills, but uncontrolled fills. We all know what happens after earthworks are complete, and along comes the spring thaw. The materials just lose strength. Moreover, the placing of concrete foundations on frozen soils is also a no-no. These soils cannot be adequately prepared and compacted in the frozen state. Does anyone out there have any technical references on construction in/on frozen ground? Happy New year to everybody.





RE: Winter construction, earthworks
RE: Winter construction, earthworks
RE: Winter construction, earthworks
It has been my experience that winter work can be done with good results if you have a good contractor, willing to do some extra work, if needed. It involves such things as discarding frozen soil and using only non frozen soil for compacted fill. Clay type soil, at proper moisture content, works better than sand apparently due to that extra moisture giving off extra heat of fusion.
However, regardless of how careful he is, it seems that the job just cannot come out right if the air temp is below 20 degrees F. If strong wind the temp limit is even higher.
Immediate compaction is required also.
So, below these temp limits don't even try.
RE: Winter construction, earthworks
"It has been my experience that winter work can be done with good results if you have a good client willing to pay for some extra work, and a good contractor will to actually perform the extra work, if needed."
If everyone the job requirements and expectations are settled upfront it shouldn't be a problem; however, it takes two to do that dance.
RE: Winter construction, earthworks
RE: Winter construction, earthworks
RE: Winter construction, earthworks
Shove a thermometer in it and, if below freezing, forget it.
RE: Winter construction, earthworks
RE: Winter construction, earthworks