This study looks at modifying the surface chemistry of silt sized particles using surfactants, to potentially reduce the frost susceptibility of silty soils. Cationic and anionic surfactants are used to treat silt sized glass beads and mine tailings. The behaviour of the surfactant treated and untreated particles is examined using sedimentation, capillary rise, direct shear, and saturated permeability tests. The sedimentation and capillary rise tests are sensitive to changes in surface chemistry, and there exists a relationship between the behaviour exhibited in these two tests. The direct shear and permeability tests on low density specimens show no noticeable effect of altering the particles' surface chemistry. Information about the hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity of the particles can be inferred from the sedimentation rate, final sedimentation volume, and the rate of capillary rise. The effect of treating the particles depends on the type and concentration of surfactant, and the type of particles.