THERMAL EXPANSION COEFFICIENT AS A CHARACTERISTIC OF FROZEN GROUND
The paper shows that the thermal expansion coeffi cient is necessary for the construction of the part of the frozen-ground rheological model that is associated with temperature deformation. Its numerical values can be used in the analysis of frost cracking and allied issues. The thermal expansion coeffi cient is a useful structure-sensitive characteristic of frozen ground. The principal features of the thermal expansion coeffi cient of the frozen ground are described. The methods and results of its study are discussed. The equation of system state containing the thermal expansion coeffi cient for the deformation process which is close to equilibrium is given. The inside phenomena in a frozen soil sample are indicated, which accompany the external heat exchange between sample and the environment. These phenomena infl uence the value of the thermal expansion coeffi cient. A nonequilibrium process of thermocreep is considered. The equation expressing instantaneous strain by means of instantaneous temperature and its history is given. However, the functions of thermocreep defi ned in real experiment depend not only on frozen ground properties but also on the scheme and heat exchange parameters of experimental installation.