Frost Heave in Swedish Slab-on-Grade

Paper in proceeding, 2004

This paper discusses the risk for frost heave in modern Swedish slab-on-grade. Theoretical simulations are undertaken in order to model the frost front below the slab. Different designs of the slab-on-grade for a north (Luleå) and a south (Lund) location in Sweden are studied. For example, the insulation thickness below the slab is varied and frost protection insulation is applied with different thicknesses and widths. The results show that there is a risk of frost heave. In a well-insulated slab-on-grade, the frost front will extend below the edge beam of the slab. However, with frost protection insulation, the depth of the frost front below the slab will be reduced significantly. Frost heave must be considered in the design process for a modern Swedish slab-on-grade.