Frost Heave Caused by Ice Lens
Frost heave happens when the soil is susceptible to frost, the soil is wet, and the temperature drops below freezing. When these conditions exist, water in the soil starts migrating toward the freezing zone and forms layers of ice called ice lenses. These grow by drawing water upward and expanding which pushes the soil and everything above it up. When the ice eventually melts, the soil slumps back down, usually unevenly. Over time, this can cause structural movement, cracking, and settlement.
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