The research investigated the mechanical behaviors of ice- soil interface under different temperatures (- 1 degrees C, - 2 degrees C, and - 3 degrees C) and initial soil moisture contents (14%, 16% and 18%) using direct shear tests. The shear stresses of interface were described by generalized Duncan-Chang model and the shear stiffness expression of interface was derived. The results showed that at temperature of - 1 degrees C, the effect of initial moisture content on the interface strength was minimal. As the temperature drops to - 2 degrees C and - 3 degrees C, the higher initial moisture content in the soil enhances the bonding strength of interface. The shear stiffness and strength were sensitive to the initial moisture content at temperature of - 3 degrees C, as initial moisture content increases from 14 to 18%, the shear stiffness increases by 55.5% from 9.09 x 104 kPa/m to 2.04 x 105 kPa/m, the peak strength increases by 43.5% from 156.8kPa to 277.3kPa, and the residual strength increases by 51.1% from 114 to 233kPa. The finite element model of the ice- soil interface was established using COMSOL Multiphysics and the model parameters were assigned based on experimental results, the variations of Mises stress, displacement, friction stress, and adhesive stress of interface during shear process were analyzed.
