Limit states for Frost Design

[IHcal]

Hi

I am structural engineer involved in design of foundations in northern canada (below permafrost area). With new limit states design specially ultimate limit states design (ULS), what are the load factors and strength reduction factors typically used for frost design? All geotech report is saying is frost heave and frost adhesion to be conisedered as dead loads.

Thanks for help

 

[ishvaaag]

I don't know in Canada. In Spain I would think it would be thought a Variable action, even pf the permanent (not only cuasipermanent type) for it stays for days, months or years long, to again potential change. Anyway, all this comes to a particular code so if clear do what it says.

Thinking freely, it is a matter of bigger or lower safety factors being applied. Geotech people use to be very conservative respect the average behaviours of the soil, for, to get, say, 95% reliability (or whatever % the geotechnical scientists are having as target when they propose the pertinent checks) at the big variations of the soils need to state very safe values. Hence I could be taking their advice if the code is not clear, especially when accompanied by quantified data on the foreseen effects of frost.