Systematic studies on strength evolution and life prediction of Ultrafine Mineral Powder Concrete subject to freeze-thaw cycles

• Published in: Journal of materials research and technology Vol. 39; pp. 4149 - 4169
• Main Authors: Li, Yang, Shi, Jiale, Wang, Ruijun, Zhuang, Xiaolong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.11.2025
• Subjects: DIC technology; Freeze-thaw cycle; Life prediction; Ultrafine mineral powder; Freeze-thaw cycle; Life prediction; Ultrafine mineral powder; DIC technology
• ISSN: 2238-7854; 2214-0697
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2025.10.085

This study conducted experimental investigations on concrete with varying contents of ultrafine mineral admixture through freeze-thaw cycling tests. The variation patterns of surface morphology, mass loss, and relative dynamic elastic modulus of specimens after freeze-thaw cycles were systematically analyzed. The crack propagation process under flexural loading was observed using the Digital Image Correlation technique, while the influence of freeze-thaw cycles on pore size distribution was examined through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance technology. A meso-scale life prediction model incorporating pore size effects was established based on Kachanov's damage mechanics theory. Experimental results indicate that the incorporation of ultrafine mineral admixture enhances concrete's flexural strength and reduces crack propagation width, with optimal performance achieved at 20 % admixture content (crack width reduced to 2.02 mm). The admixture promotes the formation of three-dimensional networked C–S–H gel through cement hydration, thereby improving concrete compactness and reducing damage severity. The pore-size-dependent freeze-thaw damage life prediction model demonstrates a 31.3 % increase in maximum service life for ultrafine mineral admixture concrete compared to reference specimens. Furthermore, the relationship between the damage degree and the relative dynamic elastic modulus showed a linear correlation with an R2 value of 0.96. The result enables quantitative evaluation of the concrete properties after freeze-thaw cycles without mechanical testing, and provide a more efficient approach to material assessment.