Experimental study of air-entrained concrete under biaxial loads after freeze-thaw cycles

The experimental study of the air-entrained concrete specimens subjected to different cycles of freeze-thaw was carried out. The strength of specimens under uniaixal compression, uniaxial tension, biaxial compression and biaxial tension-compression was measured. The crack and failure modes were examined. The experimental results showed that the compressive strength and tensile strength decreased as the freeze-thaw cycles were repeated. The influence of freeze-thaw cycles on the strength was analyzed. A concise mathematic formula of the relationship between concrete strength and number of freeze-thaw cycles was established. It can serve as a reference for the maintenance, design and the life prediction of coastal and offshore engineering structures such as offshore platforms and concrete dock walls in cold regions.