Experimental study of strength and deformation of plain concrete under biaxial compression after freezing and thawing cycles

Abstract

This study attempts to generate information about the strength and deformation behavior of plain concrete under biaxial compression after 0, 25, 50 and 75 cycles of freezing and thawing. Concrete cubes were tested under biaxial compressive stresses. Five principal compression stress ratios and four different cycles of freeze–thaw were the main variables. Static compressive strengths, stress–strain relationships and failure modes were examined. Failure modes of specimens are also described. The experimental results showed that the biaxial compressive strength of plain concrete decreased as the freeze–thaw cycles were repeated. The influence of freeze–thaw cycles and the stress ratio on the biaxial strength, the strain corresponding to peak stress and the elastic modulus after freeze–thaw cycles was also analyzed. The formula of the biaxial compressive strength in principal stress space is proposed.