Routuminen

Routuminen is a Finnish term that describes the process of freezing and thawing of soil. This phenomenon is significant in cold climates and occurs when the temperature of the ground drops below freezing point, causing water within the soil to turn into ice. As ice forms, it expands, exerting pressure on the surrounding soil particles and leading to an increase in soil volume. This expansion is known as frost heave.

The extent of routuminen depends on several factors, including the amount of water in the soil, the soil's composition, and the ambient temperature. Soils with a high proportion of fine particles, such as silts and clays, are more susceptible to frost heave because they can hold more water and have a greater capacity for ice lens formation. Coarse-grained soils like sands and gravels tend to drain more freely and are less prone to significant heaving.

When the temperature rises above freezing, the ice within the soil melts. This process, called thawing, can lead to a decrease in soil volume and a loss of soil strength. The repeated cycles of freezing and thawing can cause significant damage to infrastructure built on or within the ground, such as roads, buildings, and pipelines. This is why understanding and mitigating the effects of routuminen is crucial in civil engineering and construction projects in regions with cold winters. Strategies to combat its effects include proper site selection, soil stabilization, and insulation.