Frost heave

Frost heave is a geological phenomenon where the ground surface rises as ice forms beneath it during freezing temperatures. When moisture in the soil freezes, it expands and creates ice lenses that grow downward, pushing the soil and any objects above upward. This process can cause sidewalks, roads, and building foundations to lift and become uneven. Frost heave occurs primarily in areas with free access to groundwater and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Understanding this helps in designing foundations and infrastructure to mitigate potential damage from soil movement caused by freezing and thawing conditions.