Size Effect on Splitting Tensile Performance of High-Strength High-Performance Concrete after Freeze-Thaw Cycles

doi:10.16552/j.cnki.issn1001-1625.2025.0385

Abstract

Abstract: To investigate the effect of freeze-thaw cycles on the tensile mechanical properties size effect of high-strength high-performance concrete, a study was conducted involving the design of five freeze-thaw cycles and three specimen sizes. Using a freeze-thaw cycle equipment, a hydraulic servo machine, and digital image correlation (DIC) technology, splitting tensile mechanical performance tests were carried out after freeze-thaw cycles, allowing for the acquisition of the splitting tensile mechanical performance parameters of high-strength high-performance concrete under varying conditions. The results indicate that, with an increase in the number of freeze-thaw cycles, a gradual decline is observed in both the mass of the specimens and the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity. A progressive decrease in the tensile strength of the specimens is also noted. After 300 freeze-thaw cycles, the tensile strength reductions for specimens of 50, 75, and 100 mm in size are 15.11%, 22.60%, and 27.20%, respectively. It is demonstrated that larger specimen sizes exhibited a more significant impact from freeze-thaw cycles on the tensile strength of concrete. Furthermore, it is found that, as the number of freeze-thaw cycles increases, the size effect on the tensile strength of the concrete becomes more pronounced. Based on the classical size effect law model and the experimental results obtained, a model is proposed that considers the influence of freeze-thaw cycles on the tensile strength size effect of high-strength high-performance concrete. In addition, DIC technology is employed to analyze the damage evolution characteristics and crack expansion of concrete after freeze-thaw cycles. The research findings provide a theoretical basis for the optimization design and safety assessment of high-strength high-performance concrete structures in cold regions.

Key words: high-strength high-performance concrete, freeze-thaw cycle, size effect, splitting tensile, digital image correlation technology, damage evolution, crack propagation

CLC Number:

TU528

JIN Tangyu, PENG Shuai, YU Zhenpeng, WU Tianqian. Size Effect on Splitting Tensile Performance of High-Strength High-Performance Concrete after Freeze-Thaw Cycles[J]. BULLETIN OF THE CHINESE CERAMIC SOCIETY, 2025, 44(10): 3609-3619.

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