Freeze-Thaw

Freeze-Thaw Damage

Concrete is susceptible to damage by many cycles of freezing and thawing. The water inside the pores of the concrete expands upon freezing, and internal stress is developed that can lead to cracking. These images show cracking that is associated with freeze-thaw damage.

Lab-prepared beam with susceptible aggregate. Scale bar provided. [Paul Stutzman, NIST]

Lab-prepared beam with susceptible aggregate. Scale bar provided. [Paul Stutzman, NIST]

Whole core showing cracking, parallel to surface. (Approx. 300 mm) [Paul Stutzman, NIST]

Whole core showing cracking, parallel to surface. (Approx. 300 mm) [Paul Stutzman, NIST]

Oblique view of pavement core, lapped wearing surface and cross section. [Paul Stutzman, NIST]

Oblique view of pavement core, lapped wearing surface and cross section. [Paul Stutzman, NIST]

Freeze-thaw scaling of a railroad bridge. [Paul Stutzman, NIST]

Freeze-thaw scaling of a railroad bridge. [Paul Stutzman, NIST]

Freeze-thaw scaling of a railroad bridge, detailed view. [Paul Stutzman, NIST]

Freeze-thaw scaling of a railroad bridge, detailed view. [Paul Stutzman, NIST]