Surface scaling resistance of concrete subjected to freeze-thaw cycles and sustained load

Abstract

The concrete resistance to surface scaling under combined freeze-thaw cycles, sodium chloride solution and external flexural load was experimentally investigated. The test were carried out for non-air-entrained, air-entrained concretes and for concrete with steel fiber reinforcement. The test method for evaluation the resistance to scaling under combined environmental and mechanical actions was proposed. The analysis of the results obtained revealed that including the interaction of freezing and thawing and external flexural load makes change both in the character and the range of surface scaling process. The statistically confirmed synergistic effect of interaction of cyclic freezing and thawing and flexural stress which caused the acceleration of damage process was found. The beneficial effects of an air-entraining agent and steel fibers used for improving the resistance to scaling were stated.