frozen material 4

[dozer977]

I have a contractor that says he does not have to remove frozen material after his tests have reached 95% comaction before he adds another lift help please

 

[DMcGrath]

What do your specifications or quality assurance plan say? If it is in the specifications, and he bid the job based on those specs, then by all means you can hold him to it.

 

[civilperson]

95% Compaction is not a permanent condition. After frost or freezing, the moisture can grow 10% in volume ruining the specific density achieve by compactive effort. Test the soil again, (some low moisture optimum granular soils will survive freezing and keep the relative density). A separate specification prohibiting filling on frozen soil is also available to enforce.

 

[CarlB]

In cold winters roads around here freeze to depths of 10 feet. Only in some cases of frost-susceptible soils and available moisture does some frost heaving occur, usually not more than a few inches. In spring the roads thaw, and heaved areas return to essentially the original level.

Not the same as your situation but it does suggest not all freezing creates problems, depends on the soil and intended use.