Study of the influence of frozen soil temperature on its properties

Establishing the regularities of the influence of frozen soil temperature on their physical and mechanical properties allows us to make more accurate estimates of the parameters of forest machines and skidding systems interaction with the soil mass when performing logging operations with pre-set static loads. An adequate assessment of the state of the marginal part of the frozen soil mass is the basis for the formation of initial conditions for calculating the parameters of destruction of the stress-strain frozen soil layer, the processes of its compaction and rutting under the influence of static loads that occur during the operation of various forest machines and skidding systems. The article presents the methodology, hardware, and results of field experimental studies to determine the effect of the temperature of frozen soil on its strength and deformation properties, as well as on the process of rutting during the operation of forest machines on frozen soils. To identify patterns of changes in soil temperature in depth, as well as for the purpose of sampling soil for testing mechanical properties in depth, soil ledges were opened with a platform of 1x1 m and a depth of up to 1.0 m. Sections were studied on three sites with a predominance of: permafrost-pale-brown soils with sandy loam soil base; humus-carbonate soils with loam base; cryosemeral gley soils with clay base. Soil temperature was measured near the surface of the ledge using a HI 98501 Hanna (Germany) electronic thermometer with a resolution of 0.1oC and an error of ±0.3oC. Using a penetrating probe of the thermometer, the temperature value was measured in control holes along the depth of the ledge in increments of 0.1 m as the depth increased.