Data-Based Statistical Analysis of Laboratory Experiments on Concrete Frost Damage and Its Implications on Service Life Prediction.

To meet the requirements of durability design for concrete suffering frost damage, several test standards have been launched. Among the various damage indexes such as deteriorated compressive strength, relative dynamic elastic modulus (RDEM), residual deformation, etc., the concept of a "Durability Factor" (DF) is proposed by many standards to define the frost resistivity of concrete against frost action based on the experimental results from standard tests. Through a review of the literature, a clear tendency of strength/RDEM decay and residual deformation increase is captured with increasing cycles of freezing and thawing. However, tests following different standards finally derive huge scattering quantitative responses of frost resistance. Based on the large database of available laboratory experiments, this study presents a statistical analysis to propose a predictable model to calculate the DF with respect to other material factors. The statistical model is believed to be more convenient for engineering applications since the time-consuming experiment is no longer needed, and it is more precise compared with that developed according to only single experimental results to cover the uncertainties and unavoidable errors in specific tests. Moreover, the formula to calculate the DF is revised into a more general form so as to be applicable for all the laboratory experiments even for those cases without fully following the standards to derive a DF value.

Distribution Map of Frost Resistance for Cement-Based Materials Based on Pore Structure Change.

This paper presents a prediction method and mathematical model based on experimental results for the change in pore structure of cement-based materials due to environmental conditions. It focuses on frost damage risk to cement-based materials such as mortar. Mortar specimens are prepared using water, ordinary Portland cement, and sand and the pore structure is evaluated using mercury intrusion porosimetry. New formulas are proposed to describe the relationship between the pore structure change and the modified maturity and to predict the durability factor. A quantitative prediction model is established from a modified maturity function considering the influences of environmental factors like temperature and relative humidity. With this model, the frost resistance of cement-based materials can be predicted based on weather data. Using the prediction model and climate data, a new distribution map of frost damage risk is created. It is found that summer weather significantly affects frost resistance, owing to the change in pore structure of cement-based mortar. The model provides a valuable tool for predicting frost damage risk based on weather data and is significant for further research.