Experimental study of the material and bond properties of frost-damaged concrete

In an extensive experimental investigation, several types of tests were conducted on a reference specimen and frost-damaged concrete. Two levels of internal frost damage were quantified by the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity and compressive strength. Test results showed a significant influence of freeze-thaw cycles on the compressive strength and even more influence on the modulus of elasticity and the compressive strain at peak stress. Reduced tensile strength and increased fracture energy were measured. From inverse analysis of wedge splitting test results, a significant effect of frost on the shape of the tensile stress-crack opening relationship was observed: tensile strength was reduced, while the post-peak behaviour was more ductile for the frost-damaged concrete. Pull-out tests showed the influence of freeze-thaw cycles on bond strength and slip. The pull-out test results are compared with similar tests available in the literature and the effect of frost on bond behaviour is discussed. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.