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This paper presents a second-order, implicit numerical model for one-dimensional, large strain thaw consolidation of ice-rich, fine-grained permafrost. The phase composition of permafrost at sub-freezing temperatures is determined using an unfrozen water content model that accounts for both capillary and adsorptive unfrozen water. The model incorporates secondary compression to improve the accuracy of long-term thaw consolidation simulations. The algorithm incorporates conduction, advection, and phase change in heat transfer and simultaneous occurrence of primary consolidation and secondary compression. Benchmarking and verification of the model show good agreement with existing numerical models. The proposed model is validated against experimental observations. The model indicates that adsorbed unfrozen water dominates over a wide range of sub-freezing temperatures, while capillary unfrozen water freezes at temperatures just below the freezing point. Numerical simulations suggest that ignoring secondary compression can lead to underestimation of excess pore pressure and settlement during both thaw and post-thaw consolidation. Void ratio and average degree of consolidation are overestimated when secondary compression is not considered. The effect of secondary compression on excess pore pressure and void ratio during thawing becomes more pronounced in thicker, field-scale permafrost layers. Results from this study highlight the importance of considering adsorptive and capillary unfrozen water to determine permafrost composition and incorporating secondary compression in thaw consolidation modeling and thaw settlement estimation for long-term civil infrastructure planning in cold regions. The proposed model provides a comprehensive framework for simulating thaw consolidation processes in permafrost regions.
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This content will become publicly available on February 27, 2026
Numerical Model for Thaw Consolidation of Ice-Rich Permafrost Using the Finite Volume Approach
This paper presents an implicit numerical model for one-dimensional thaw consolidation of saturated permafrost using finite volume approach. The model couples heat transfer with consolidation deformation and accounts for conduction, advection, phase change in heat transfer, and large strain in consolidation. The Crank–Nicolson method is used to obtain transient solutions. The overall approximation of the numerical scheme is of second-order accuracy. Numerical simulations are conducted to analyze the thaw consolidation behaviors in a finite soil layer. Numerical results indicate that, in a finite soil layer, thaw penetration and settlement have nonlinear relationships with the square root of time with decreasing rate. The excess pore water pressure and void ratio at the thaw front decrease with time. Thaw consolidation behaviors can be strongly influenced by the thermal conductivity of soil grains. The advection heat-transfer mechanism has a negligible effect on thaw consolidation in low-permeability soil.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1927718
- PAR ID:
- 10650588
- Publisher / Repository:
- American Society of Civil Engineers
- Date Published:
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 157 to 166
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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