On
the grounds of a critical analysis of existing methods for predicting the depth
of frost in soils, a
numerical
model of freezing and thawing ground is
presented. A particular attention has been paid to an including the specificity
of the water phase change in the soilwater system to the model. The
numerical scheme takes into account the real phase equilibriums in soil-water system,
thereby being better interpretable both physically and in terms of soil
mechanics. Some detailed values and solutions related to soil thermal
properties are given, among them, particularly, the freezing point Tf and the unfrozen water content function u(T) are
discussed. A program based on the model is a relatively simple and convenient
tool for calculating frost or thaw penetration in stratified ground with air
temperature varying in a complicated manner. An example of application of the
model to natural condition is presented using a multilayered ground profile.