jäätymissulamiskierrot
Jäätymissulamiskierrot, often translated as freeze-thaw cycles, refers to the repeated process of freezing and thawing of water within porous materials. This phenomenon is particularly significant in geology and civil engineering. When water seeps into the cracks and pores of rocks or soil, it can freeze. Upon freezing, water expands by about 9%, exerting pressure on its surroundings. As temperatures rise and the ice thaws, the pressure is released, but if the water has moved into new, larger fissures or has been removed, the resulting void can be permanent.
Over successive freeze-thaw cycles, this expansion and contraction can lead to the progressive disintegration of materials.