The freeze-thaw cycle is a natural process where water repeatedly freezes and thaws, causing expansion and contraction that can lead to the physical weathering of materials like rocks and pavement. This cycle is a critical factor in shaping landscapes and can significantly impact infrastructure durability in climates with fluctuating temperatures around the freezing point.

Freeze-Thaw Cycle

Natural Process

Water freezes and thaws

Expansion And Contraction

Physical weathering, also known as mechanical weathering, is the process where rocks are broken down into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition, primarily through physical forces such as temperature changes, pressure, and abrasion. This process plays a crucial role in soil formation and landscape alteration by increasing the surface area of rocks, making them more susceptible to further weathering and erosion.

Physical Weathering

Weathering of materials

Landscapes

Infrastructure durability refers to the ability of infrastructure systems to withstand environmental, operational, and time-related stresses while maintaining functionality and safety. It is crucial for ensuring long-term serviceability, minimizing repair costs, and enhancing resilience against natural and human-induced events.

Infrastructure Durability

Fluctuating temperatures

The freezing point is the temperature at which a liquid turns into a solid, occurring when the molecules of the liquid slow down enough to form a crystalline lattice. This temperature can be influenced by pressure and the presence of impurities, which can lower or raise the freezing point through phenomena such as freezing point depression.

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