Water Absorption and Critical Degree of Saturation Relating to Freeze-Thaw Damage in Concrete Pavement Joints

Abstract

Fluid ingress is a primary factor that influences freeze-thaw damage in concrete. This paper discusses the influence of fluid ingress on freeze-thaw damage development. Specifically, this paper examines the influence of entrained air content on the rate of water absorption, the degree of saturation, and the relationship between the saturation level and freeze-thaw damage. The results indicate that whereas air content delays the time it takes for concrete to reach a critical degree of saturation it will not prevent the freeze-thaw damage from occurring. The results of the experiments show that when the degree of saturation exceeds 86–88%, freeze-thaw damage is inevitable with or without entrained air even with very few freeze-thaw cycles.