Numerical study on the spatial–temporal distribution of solute and salt accumulation in saturated sulfate saline soil during freezing–thawing processes: Mechanism and feedback

•A water–heat–salt–mechanics coupling model is presented.•The formation mechanism of subflorescence and efflorescence of sulfate saline soil subjected to F–T processes is described.•The feedback mechanism of the spatial–temporal distribution of the solute on salt accumulation and soil salinization is revealed.•The proposed model can simulate the dynamic interaction of sulfate saline soil during F–T cycles.