Analysis and Zonation of Freeze-Thaw Action in the Chinese Plateau Region Considering Spatiotemporal Climate Characteristics

Abstract

Concerns about the durability of transportation infrastructure due to freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles are particularly significant in the Chinese plateau region, where concrete aging and performance deterioration pose substantial challenges. The current national standards for the frost resistance design of concrete structures are based predominantly on the coldest monthly average temperature and do not adequately address the comprehensive effects of the spatiotemporal variance, amplitude, and frequency of F-T cycles. To address this issue, this study introduced a spatiotemporal distribution model to analyze the long-term impact of F-T action on concrete structures by employing statistical analysis and spatial interpolation techniques. Cluster analysis was applied to create a nationwide zonation of F-T action level from data on the freezing temperature, temperature difference, and the number of F-T cycles. Furthermore, this study explored the similarity between natural environmental conditions and laboratory-accelerated tests using hydraulic pressure and cumulative damage theories. A visualization platform that incorporates tools for meteorological data queries, environmental characteristic analyses, and F–T action similarity calculations was designed. This research lays theoretical groundwork and provides technical guidance for assessing service life and enhancing the quantitative durability design of concrete structures in the Chinese plateau region.