Durability of High-Performance Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites Subjected to Freeze-Thaw Cycles

The application of high-performance fibre-reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCCs) represents one of the most advanced solutions in the civil engineering field for both mitigating the criticisms of ordinary concrete while ate the same time enhancing its overall mechanical performances. Moreover, due to its significant durability resistance, HPFRCC material is highly recommended also in the view of reducing the cost for the long-term maintenance of reinforced concrete elements. More specifically, the capability of resisting against freezing promotes its possible use in cold regions where freeze-thaw cycling can lead to significantly degradation of cement-based composites. In this context, this study summarized the key results of an experimental campaign aimed at investigating the degradation processes generated by freeze-thaw actions on the resulting HPFRCCs. Furthermore, a numerical simulation is also performed for unveiling the degradation effect induced by the freeze-thaw cycles.