Frost Heaves: What are they?

puttin · 11-15-2011, 07:05 AM

I've searched here and don't see pictures or descriptions. Are they like the wash board effect or something different?

Thanks.

genesimmons · 11-15-2011, 07:43 AM

i think thats where you see frost/ice pushing the dirt out of the ground when temps are cold enough and ground mosture is high

jzick · 11-15-2011, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puttin

I've searched here and don't see pictures or descriptions. Are they like the wash board effect or something different?

Thanks.

Pictures for you
https://www.google.com/search?q=fros...GcugtweulonODQ

RoyM · 11-15-2011, 07:55 AM

We call them mother nature's speed bumps. They are the result of the freezing and thawing process, the moisture in the ground expands as it freezes and takes the path of least resistance. A small one is an annoyance, a good one will knock your fillings loose and can cause vehicle damage if hit at speed.

HD4Mark · 11-15-2011, 08:03 AM

This is a pretty good description What is Frost Heave?

wa8yxm · 11-15-2011, 10:41 AM

Refering to the "Nature's Speed bumps" comment. Not Frost heaves but pavement buckles.

I have seen, with my own electroincally aided eyes (remote operated camera) pavement buckles that happened suddenly and with enough size to flip a car and kill the driver. I'm not streatching anything here. Happened in, I think, Liviona MI (I know it was on I-275,, As i recall just south of M-14/I-96 Not sure if it's Livonia or not) Accident was handled by the Michigan State Police. I was one of the dispatchers on duty at the time.

PNWGirl · 11-15-2011, 11:02 AM

Wow! Some of those shots are pretty significant! I never knew that they could be so big...........

Sheila

sdennislee · 11-15-2011, 11:11 AM

On the ALCAN through Canada and Alaska they can launch a car like a ramp. The more damaging scenario is when the heave only raises on one side and its opposite your direction on travel, then instead of a ramp you hit the abrupt stop.

The Canadian road crews do a pretty good job of marking them with cones or flags until the weather permits a repair. Our Alaskan road crews not so much.

Keep you eyes open and watch the traffic in both directions for clues to an upcoming heave.

Superslif · 11-16-2011, 04:36 PM

I have seen a few frost heaves in Vermont on some of the mountain passes.

On the road from Fairbanks AK. to Valdez over a 300+ stretch about 7-8 years ago you could normally travel at 60 to 65mph. The heaves would be spaced about 100' to 500' apart mostly on the flat low elevation areas. In a car you would drop you speed to maybe no more that 55 to 60 range. But in a RV you might have to slow down a little more. No big deal....