A predominate problem in cold regions, and specifically in Anchorage, Alaska, is frost heaving
pavement above culverts in residential driveways. The culvert increases heat loss in the subgrade
materials during winter months and allows the soils below the culvert to freeze, which is not an
issue if the underlying soils are non-frost susceptible material. However, there are numerous
locations in Anchorage and other parts of Alaska where the underlying soils are frost susceptible
which result in frost heaving culverts under driveways that cause damaged pavement and culvert
inverts that are too high. The seasonal heave and settlement of culverts under driveways
accelerates pavement deterioration. A model of this scenario was developed and several
insulation configurations were considered to determine a suitable alternative for preventing
pavement damage from heaving culverts. The model used material properties for typical
Anchorage area silty sand. The model showed that insulation could be used below culverts to
prevent differential frost heave at the culvert. In addition, this technique uses typical construction
materials and is reasonable for a typical residential dwelling contractor to complete during the
construction of the home.Title Page / Abstract / Table of Contents / List of Figures / List of Tables / Introduction / Literature Review / Driveway Pavement Section / Driveway Pavement Section Design Method / Driveway Pavement Section / Thermal Analysis / TEMP/W (GeoStudio 2012) / Model Configuration / Model Materials and Boundary Conditions / Analysis Procedure / Results / Steady State Model and Temperature Gradient / Thermal Analysis with Pavement and Culvert without Insulation / Thermal Analysis with Pavement, Culvert, and Insulation / Discussion / Conclusions / Recommendations / References / Appendi
