Abstract: The theoretical study on water migration during a frost heaving process of rock is a core technical problem in the study of frost rock mechanics.Firstly we explain three mainstream water transfer theories: film water migration theory, capillary water migration theory and segregated ice theory, and demonstrate the application of the three water transfer theories.Then from the perspective of frost heaving force caused by in-situ freezing and water migration freezing, we analyzed the research progress and shortcomings of analytical model, experimental research and numerical simulation of frost heaving force.For analytical research, we discuss the calculation models of single elliptical crack frost heaving force and calculation of three kinds of typical frost heaving forces of tunnels in cold area.For experimental research, we discuss the influencing factors of frost heaving force value and the evolution characteristics of frost heaving force in freeze-thaw cycle.For numerical research, we discuss the numerical simulation of single crack frost heaving force and tunnel frost heaving force simulation in cold area.For all the three fields we point out the shortcomings in current research.It is proposed that the coupling effect and water migration process of various cases should be fully considered in the study of analytical model and numerical simulation, and the improvement of measurement method in the experimental study of frost heaving force should be strengthened.