Abstract: In order to investigate the hydro-thermal-mechanical process of soft clay under radial freeze-thaw conditions, freeze-thaw tests of soft clay at different temperatures were carried out, and the changes in temperature, water content, soil pressure, water discharge, and power consumption of soil samples were analyzed and compared. The results show that the actual temperature drop rate is positively correlated with the moving rate of the frozen front, and the temperature transfer efficiency is mainly related to the heat transfer distance, heat transfer medium, and energy loss rate. During the freezing of soil samples, the migration of water is closely related to the suction effect of the cold end on water and the relative effect of frost heave on water. The circumferential and radial cryogenic structures produced during the freezing process will accelerate the discharge of water from the soft clay, and the frost heave force will produce a consolidation effect on the soil in the unfrozen area. By comparing the freezing range, water discharge, and power consumption during the test process, it is found that the diameter of the thawing circle generated during the freezing process is the largest when the test temperature is −15 ℃, and the energy consumption ratio is also at its highest at this point. Therefore, −15 ℃ is taken as the optimal freezing temperature for this series of tests.

Key words: soft foundation, artificial freezing, hydro-thermal-mechanical process, optimal temperature