Abstract: The frost heave problem is the primary reason for low-utilization rate of canals in cold areas. Relying on the large-scale geotechnical centrifuge in Nanjing Hydraulic Reserch Institute, a heat exchange test device is designed. It can realize the coupling interaction between the centrifugal and temperature fields. Subsequently, the modelling tests on the frost-heave of canals in soils with different moisture contents under 20g and 30g respectively are perfromed. The results indicate that the distance between model and heat exchanging plate has great influence on heat exchange process. The moisture content has a significant effect on the frost-heave displacement. In addition, the law of heat migration rate in the soil, which is N² times that of the prototype, is confirmed by the test results. The designed test device and the corresponding test method provide a new approach for the reserches on frost-heave damage of canals in the northern areas of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.