Trans-scale multi-physics coupling finite element model of concrete during freezing and thawing

Abstract This paper presents a trans-scale finite element model based on hydraulic-thermal-mechanical coupling equations of porous medium to simulate the behavior of concrete during freezing and thawing. Unlike previous models that regard concrete as homogeneous material, this paper aims to establish a macro-size concrete model with detailed micro-structure, the aggregates (mm) and air voids (μm) are randomly generated by the Monte Carlo method, and the interfacial transition zones (μm) with random thickness are built around the aggregates. The capillary pores (nm) of concrete is expressed by the relationship between the percentage of frozen ice and the radius of capillary pore. The simulation results reveal the mechanism of air voids protecting the concrete from freezing and thawing damage, and the mechanical field shows the freezing and thawing damage occurs preferentially at the interfacial transition zone, because the stress concentration due to the irregular distribution of aggregates and water resistance of aggregates. The temperature boundary conditions were also varied to study the influence of the temperature change rate on hydrostatic pressure and volume stress. The effect of the cement paste's pore structure, including the spacing of air voids, on the ability of concrete to resist freezing and thawing is presented.