Frost-damaged concrete: Part 1. Material properties

Paper in proceeding, 2009

In an extensive experimental investigation, several tests were performed on a reference and frost-damaged concrete. The test results showed significant influence of freeze-thaw cycles not only on the compressive strength but, to a larger extent, on the modulus of elasticity and the compressive strain at peak stress. Reduced tensile strength and increased fracture energy were measured. From inverse analysis, significant effect of frost on the shape of the tensile stress-crack opening relationship was observed; i.e. tensile strength was decreased while the post-peak behavior was more ductile for the frost-damaged concrete than for the reference concrete.