Based on investigation of microstructure characteristics for frozen soil
a new method is put forward to identify and determine micro-crack size in frozen soil. Considering micro-crack damage area as defects and simplified it as equivalent crack according to equivalent crack critical. Thus
the foundation of quantitative calculation and analysis for strength failure for frozen soil is set up. Reference values for three kinds of soils under different temperatures are given; and comparison between calculation results and investigation data shows that they coincided well.