# Spatiotemporal Mechanical Effects of Framework-Slope Systems Under Frost Heave Conditions
## 6 Conclusions  
This study investigates the frost heave evolution process of a silty clay slope in Xinjiang, China. Triaxial consolidated undrained (CU) shear tests were conducted under both natural and frozen conditions to obtain the stress-strain constitutive relationships of the soil. A coupled thermal-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) numerical model was developed using the PDE and solid mechanics modules of COMSOL Multiphysics, enabling a simultaneous solution of temperature, stress, and moisture fields. The model simulates the behavior of a frame-anchor-supported slope under seasonal freezing conditions. The main conclusions are as follows:  
1. Based on the spatial evolution of freezing depth along the slope surface, three distinct types of frost heave behavior were identified. As the temperature decreases, transitional regions characterized by one- and two-directional freezing develop near the slope crest and toe. These areas eventually evolve into dominant bidirectional freezing zones as freezing progresses. 2. The frost heave process is strongly influenced by slope boundary conditions. The spatial temperature response along the slope surface exhibits significant heterogeneity. Due to the bidirectional freezing effect, both the crest and toe regions experience more intense responses than the mid-slope area. The maximum freezing depth reached 2.3 m at the crest. Under prolonged thermodynamic deterioration, water migration leads to the accumulation of ice content at the slope toe, resulting in exponential growth in horizontal frost heave force, which peaked at 92 kPa in February. 3. During the freezing process, frost-induced soil arching generates a reverse stress field whose temporal evolution mirrors the temperature field. Along the arch height direction, the reverse frost heave force exhibits a nonlinear trend: it first increases and then gradually decays as freezing stabilizes. 4. An analysis of the dynamic response patterns of anchor rod axial forces during frost heave revealed that axial forces during the frost heave period are approximately 1.3 times those under natural conditions, with significant increases particularly observed at the slope crest and toe. Based on the design principle of adopting the most unfavorable condition, it is reasonable to establish frost heave conditions as the design criteria for frame-anchor structures. It is recommended that in the design of slope frame-anchor support structures in seasonally frozen regions, priority must be given to controlling displacement at the slope crest and the variations in axial forces of anchor rods at both the crest and toe. This approach will effectively mitigate structural instability risks and ensure slope stability. Given the prevalence of frost heave issues in climatically similar regions of Northwest China, Northeast China, and Central Asia, this study investigates a typical silty clay slope in Xinjiang. Through conducting consolidated undrained triaxial shear tests under freeze-thaw cycles and establishing a thermo-hydro-mechanical coupled numerical model, the research reveals the response mechanism of slopes supported by a frame anchor system under frost heave conditions. It specifically analyzes the evolution patterns of the displacement field, stress field, and temperature field within the supported slope and provides insights into the dynamic interaction mechanism between the frame structure and slope soil during the frost heave process. The conclusions offer technical support for anchor reinforcement projects in similar regions. These findings provide valuable guidance for designing anti-frost slope reinforcement systems in seasonal frozen soil regions.