Mesoscale simulation of influence of frost damage on mechanical properties of concrete

Mesoscale constitutive models of frost-damaged concrete are developed in this study through numerical simulation using a two-dimensional rigid body spring model (RBSM). The aim of the simulation is to predict the macrobehavior of frost-damaged concrete subjected to mechanical loading. The models also clarify the difference in failure behavior of concrete with and without frost damage. Zero strength elements and the concept of mesoscale plastic tensile strain are introduced into the normal RBSM springs to consider the experimentally observed cracking and plastic deformation caused by frost damage. The difference in the effect of frost damage on compression and tension behavior as found in the experiments is clearly predicted. Finally, analysis of a notched beam subjected to bending after different degrees of frost damage is carried out. The resulting load-deflection curves agree well with those obtained in the experiments. These good correlations confirm the applicability of the mesoscale model for predicting the macrobehavior of frost-damaged concrete.