Triaxial T–C–C behavior of air-entrained concrete after freeze–thaw cycles

This paper presents results of triaxial tensile–compressive–compressive (T–C–C) tests on air-entrained concrete with uniaxial compressive strength of 25.64 MPa before and after 100, 200, 300, 400 cycles of freeze–thaw. The strength, failure mode and the direction of the crack of air-entrained concrete specimens under T–C–C were observed and measured, respectively. The influence of number of freeze–thaw cycles and stress ratio on the T–C–C strength was analyzed, respectively. Based on the experimental data, a failure criterion with the number of freeze–thaw cycles and stress ratio parameters under T–C–C stress states is proposed. The formulated failure criteria for air-entrained concrete can be used, e.g., in finite-element simulations. The decrease in strength by acting a compressive–tensile stress state related to the uniaxial compressive strength should be considered and this study is helpful to reveal the multiaxial mechanical properties of air-entrained structure enduring freeze–thaw cycles.

► Mechanical properties ► Air-entrained concrete ► Triaxial tensile–compressive–compressive ► Freeze–thaw cycles ► Failure criterion