Abstract: The shear strength properties of the frozen sand–structure interface are critical for evaluating the serviceability of pile foundations in frozen ground. The shear characteristics of the frozen sand‍–‍concrete interface were studied with two boundary conditions (constant normal load (CNL) and constant normal height (CNH)), at three normal stresses (100, 200, and 300 kPa), and at three temperatures (-2, -5, and -8°C). A detailed comparative analysis was performed to explore the principal factors affecting the shear/normal-shear displacement. The results showed that the shear behavior of the frozen sand–concrete interface under CNL was similar to that under CNH. The shear stress–shear displacement exhibited strain softening. The temperature and normal stress were the major influences on normal properties. The lower the temperature and the higher the normal stress, the greater was the elastic shear modulus. The peak shear stress and critical shear stress exhibited a dependence on normal stress. An exponential growth in the peak shear stress was observed as the temperature decreased. Critical shear stress was dependent on temperature. The value and percentage of peak ice-cementation in peak shear stress was affected by temperature and normal stress.

Key words: Frozen sand–concrete interface; Peak shear strength; Critical shear strength; Ice-cementation; Boundary condition

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