The reasons for the occurrence of cryosuction during freezing of fine grained and mixed grained soils are discussed. A model is presented, which is based on the thermodynamic description of the phase equilibrium of the water under consideration of the local differences in ion concentration of the pore-water and the osmotic effect. The determination of the decisive ion concentration between the surface of the mineral particles and the ice surface is determined by means of double layer theory. The effects of the soil properties as well as of the overburden pressure on the magnitude of the cryosuction are discussed. Realistic results can be obtained by the model which is at the same time consistent with the physico-chemical mechanisms, which are held responsible for the development of cryosuction.
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