Frozen Soil Test Cell for Coupled Ice Content and Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods cannot measure the coupling relationship between ice content and deformation of frozen soil simultaneously, limiting understanding of frost heave and thaw settlement deformations in road engineering.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that synchronously measures ice content and deformation of frozen soil by simulating external environments using thermal conductive discs, a loading assembly, and optical cables to control temperature and pressure, and using FDR sensors for temperature comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing measurement methods are used, then ice content or deformation can be measured alone, but the coupling relationship between ice content and deformation cannot be measured simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement systems (FDR sensors for ice content, strain sensors for deformation, temperature sensors, and loading systems) into a single integrated test device. This merging allows simultaneous measurement of ice content and deformation under controlled freezing conditions, resolving the contradiction by enabling both measurement capabilities to work together in one system rather than separately
2Reliability
If laboratory experiments are conducted, then controlled measurement conditions can be achieved, but only single-parameter measurement (ice content or deformation) is possible
Solution Approach 1:
The test device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various measurements simultaneously: FDR sensors measure ice content, strain sensors measure deformation, temperature sensors monitor thermal conditions, and the loading assembly applies controlled loads. This universal design allows one device to handle multiple measurement functions, achieving reliable controlled conditions while capturing the coupling relationship between multiple parameters
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional measurement methods are used, then simple equipment can be employed, but the coupling relationship between interdependent ice content and strain cannot be captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary controlled freezing environment that allows simultaneous measurement of ice content and deformation. The freezing chamber with controlled temperature, combined with loading mechanisms and multiple sensors, acts as an intermediary system that captures the coupling relationship between ice content and strain, preventing loss of this critical interdependent information
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Accurately measures the quantitative coupling relationship between ice content and deformation, enhancing the understanding of frost heave and thaw settlement deformations.
Implementation Method 1
The ice content of frozen soil is measured by methods such as expansion method, dielectric spectroscopy method
Implementation Method 2
a first thermal conductive disc, located inside the soil sample container and close to the upper end of the soil sample container
Implementation Method 3
a loading assembly, located above the first thermal conductive disc and configured to apply a load to the target in-situ frozen soil inside the accommodation chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a device and method for measuring a coupling relationship between an ice content and a deformation of a frozen soil. The device includes: a soil sample container; a first thermal conductive disc; an annular support provided therein with a porous plate, where an upper end surface of the porous plate, a lower end surface of the first thermal conductive disc, and an inner wall of the soil sample container cooperate to form an accommodation chamber for accommodating a target in-situ frozen soil; a second thermal conductive disc located below the porous plate, where a lower end surface of the porous plate, an inner wall of the annular support, and an upper end surface of the second thermal conductive disc cooperate to form a water storage chamber; and a loading assembly configured to apply a load to the target in-situ frozen soil inside the accommodation chamber.