The effects of air entrainment and pozzolans on frost resistance of 50–60 MPa grade concrete

An experimental investigation was conducted using an air-entraining agent and pozzolans such as silica fume and fly ash, to meet the design strengths 50 and 60 MPa, as well as frost resistance to 300 cycles of freezing and thawing. Among a series of concretes of grade 50 or 60 MPa, only a small part could resist 300 cycles of freezing and thawing. It was demonstrated that frost resistance might be independent on strength of concrete. By means of mercury intrusion porosimeter, the pore structure characteristics of six concretes were identified. Air entrainment, no matter whether the pozzolans were used, caused an increase in cumulative pore volume, and also an increase in the mean pore size. It is revealed that, as to concrete at a 0.32 water/binder ratio, air entrainment should be a main approach to enhance frost resistance, although the pozzolans could be used to increase long-term strength of concrete.