Frost Destruction of Concrete – A Study of the Validity of Different Mechanisms

Abstract

Well-known frost destruction mechanisms applicable to concrete not exposed to salt are, (1) hydraulic pressure during freezing, (2) growth of ice-bodies in capillaries during freezing. Theories behind these mechanisms are presented. A third mechanism, ice expansion during heating of frozen concrete, is put forward. The validity of a certain mechanisms is discussed by analyzing its ability to explain experimental observations.