The transport properties of cement mortars subjected to freeze-thaw cycles

The parameters characterizing the microstructure of cementbased materials, such as porosity or permeability, determine not only durability, but also risk of degradation of the cement matrix due to an aggressive environment. The report presents results of a research on transport properties of cement mortars subjected to cyclic water freezing. Mortars prepared on the basis of two different cements were the object of the research: Portland cement CEM I 42.5R and Portland blast-furnace slag cement CEM III/A 42.5N LH/HSR/NA, with two water-cement ratio (w/c=0.45 and 0.40). The experimental study was carried out in order to determine the relationship between intrinsic permeability and the water absorption coefficient in relation to the number of freeze-thaw cycles. The evolution of transport coefficients was determined using a capillary absorption test and the modified RILEM-Cembureau method. It was established that the degradation processes induced an increase of transport properties. Moreover, the microcracks had a more significant influence on permeability and lesser influence on the water absorption coefficient. The gas permeability of damaged mortar changed very significantly, an increase with several orders of magnitude could be noticed. Moreover, the positive impact of CEM III on ice-induced degradation was also visible.