This paper reviews numerical/empirical approaches used for predicting the unfrozen water content a key component for modeling thermal and hydraulic properties of frozen soils. Drawbacks of the existing predictive models are discussed. An approach to predicting the unfrozen water content based on the William's model and measured or predictive equation/model of the soil water retention curve is presented. The paper contains a parametric study and comparison of the computer generated results with experimental data.

Vlodek R. Tarnawski
Division of Engineering
Saint Mary's University
Halifax, N.S., CANADA B3H 3C3
Phone: (902) 420-56-99
Fax: (902) 420-55-61
E-mail: res2001@husky1.stmarys.ca

Bernhard Wagner
Bayerisches Geologisches Landesamt
Hebstrabe 128
8000 Munchen 4
Federal Republic of Germany

Jonathan Webber
Department of Chemical Engineering
Technical University of Nova Scotia
Halifax, N.S., CANADA B3J 2X4