Measurement of Temperatures and Frost Penetration in Paved or Unpaved Areas with Thermocouples

Records of air, pavement and ground surface, and subsurface temperatures are needed from widely distributed geographical areas, in order to improve knowledge of and methods of estimating frost penetration and thaw conditions beneath various types of pavements and for various soil conditions. The results will be used in the design of pavements, utilities, building footings, and other construction. This report describes equipment, installation and a general observational program for obtaining pavement and ground temperature records and for measuring depth of frost penetration under either paved or unpaved areas. To types of installations are described.