Mechanical Tests of Frozen Snow, Ice and Frozen Ground

This chapter delves into the mechanical properties of frozen snow, ice, and frozen ground, emphasizing their potential as construction materials in polar regions. It begins by highlighting the ingenuity of indigenous peoples, such as the Eskimos, who have long used snow and ice for building igloos. The study then transitions to modern engineering, showcasing M.M. Krylov's innovative cold warehouses made of ice, which demonstrate sustainability and energy efficiency. The chapter also addresses the critical need for mechanical testing of these materials to ensure the stability of underground storage facilities in frozen zones, especially under climate change conditions. Through extensive laboratory tests, the study reveals the unique mechanical behaviors of frozen sand, clay, snow, and ice, providing essential data for designing permafrost facilities. The pressure-strain curves obtained from these tests illustrate the varying degrees of compressibility and plasticity among the materials, offering valuable insights for engineers and researchers. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding these properties to enhance resource management and infrastructure development in polar regions.