Strength degradation mechanism and modeling of freeze-thaw foam concrete

In order to investigate the strength degradation mechanism of foam concrete in freeze-thaw environment, some samples were used for freezing-thawing cycles test and mechanical test. Based on the experimental results, the mechanism of strength degradation was analyzed, and a strength degradation model was established. The results show that the mass loss rate and peak strength degradation rate of foam concrete follow a power function with the number of freezing-thawing cycles increase, while the longitudinal wave velocity degradation rate follows a quadratic function. Under the action of freeze-thaw cycles, microcracks in the foam concrete skeleton propagate deeper, increasing pore connectivity and reducing its bearing capacity. Using the least squares method, a strength degradation model for freeze-thaw foam concrete was developed, with the error between theoretical and experimental data controlled within 3.5%. This model effectively describes the peak strength deterioration process of freeze-thaw foam concrete. © 2025 Ernst & Sohn GmbH.