Experimental study on strength and deformation of plain concrete under triaxial compression after freeze-thaw cycles

The behavior of strength and deformation of plain concrete under triaxial compression after 0, 25, 50 and 75 cycles of freeze-thaw are experimentally studied using the static and dynamic triaxial experimental machine. The compressive strength, strain at the peak of stress and stress–strain relationship under triaxial compression were measured. The failure modes of concrete specimens are also described. The experimental results showed that the triaxial compressive strength decreased as the freeze-thaw cycles were repeated for plain concrete. The influence of the number of freeze-thaw cycles and the stress ratio on the principal compressive stressesσ3and corresponding strainε3, stress–strain relationship was analyzed. On this basis, the failure criterion of concrete under triaxial compression after freeze-thaw cycles is proposed. It can serve as a reference for the maintenance, design and the life prediction of ocean structures, hydraulic structures, marine structures and offshore platform in cold regions.