As the concrete products generally used for berm drains on cut slopes are not flexible, they are unable to mitigate the pressure of frost heaving force and are susceptible to related damage. However, the idea of using drainage structures to physically suppress pressure is unrealistic because frost heaving force is strong enough to push up a building. To ensure resistance to frost heaving, there is a need for materials that can change form flexibly and maintain drainage functionality under the influence of such force rather than drainage structures that can withstand it. Accordingly, test construction was conducted to determine the feasibility of using berm drains consisting of the type of waterproof asphalt sheets originally used for waste disposal and other purposes. This paper presents the results of an interannual survey based on visual and instrumental observation, which revealed that berm drains made from waterproof asphalt sheets fulfilled the requisite drainage function and offered a higher level of resistance to frost heaving than conventional concrete ditches. It was also found that asphalt sheets had a weed control effect and were suitable for berms on cut slopes that heavy machinery cannot reach because they are lighter and easier to install than concrete troughs.
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