Effect of load on bonding properties and salt freeze-thaw resistance of bridge expansion joint concrete

Abstract

In the seasonal frozen regions, the bridge expansion joint concrete (BEJC) is susceptible to damage during its service life, not only from vehicular loads but also from chloride salt erosion and the effects of freeze-thaw cycles. This study investigates the basic physical and mechanical properties of BEJC under different curing conditions. A rapid chloride permeability test was conducted to comparatively analyze the concrete's chloride ion penetration resistance. The microscopic crack width on the concrete bond surface is evaluated to assess the concrete bond performance under different loading durations. Additionally, the study explores the coupled effect of wheel loads and single-sided salt freeze-thaw cycles (WL-SFT) on the freeze-thaw resistance of BEJC, delving into factors such as spalling mass, water absorption rate, and pore structure characteristics (including air content, specific surface area, spacing coefficient) and connectivity. The results indicate that for specimens subjected to loading at 1–14 days and 3–14 days, the average crack widths on the bond surface are 14.36 µm and 10.09 µm, respectively, representing 5.27 times and 3.70 times those of unloaded specimens. The bond strength also decreases by 34.8% and 14.2%, respectively, compared to unloaded specimens. The increase in crack width leads to a reduction in bond strength, highlighting the importance of bond strength as a consideration for the actual opening time of roads in engineering projects. Furthermore, due to its smaller and more stable pore structure, the study suggests that WL-SFT almost does not damage standard curing (SC) concrete; however, it slightly disrupts the pore structure of natural curing (NC) concrete. In comparison, WL-SFT leads to the generation of more microcracks in both the surface and deeper layers of low-temperature curing (LC) concrete, resulting in the destruction of its pore structure and connectivity.