Ground frost zone is the depth to which, in a given region, the ground subsoil regularly freezes during the winter period. Its thickness depends on the local climate, soil type and groundwater level. This figure is important for the design of the foundation of buildings and infrastructure, as frozen ground increases in volume and can cause displacement.
Displacements, in turn, lead to deformation of improperly designed foundations or installations. In modern construction, including foundation slabs, information on the frost zone is used primarily to determine the parameters of the thermal insulation under the plate.
It is also useful for determining how to prepare the substructure layers so as to completely eliminate the risk of frost heave. In practice, the value of the frost depth is determined on the basis of standards, climate maps or local geotechnical conditions.
