Variations in fracture energy of concrete subjected to cyclic freezing and thawing

Fracture energy is one of the fundamental parameters representing cracking resistance and fracture toughness of concrete. The paper deals with the effect of internal frost damage on the fracture energy of concrete. The fracture energy value was assessed on beams with initial notches in three-point bend test assuring stable failure of the specimen. It was found, that the internal damages due to cyclic freezing and thawing have a significant effect on variations in fracture energy, related to changes in destructive load value as well as in deformability of material. The analysis of load-deflection curves obtained made it possible to fit the simple function, describing the post-peak behaviour of concrete subjected to frost damages, which can be useful for the calculation of GF value. It was proved that it is reasonable and feasible to study the freeze-thaw damage process of concrete using fracture mechanics methods.

► Fracture energy is strongly influenced by the accumulation of internal damages in concrete.
► The power function was proposed to describe the post-peak behaviour of concrete.
► Fracture mechanics is useful to study the freeze-thaw damage rules of concrete.