Salt frost attack on concrete: the combined effect of cryogenic suction and chloride binding on ice formation

Abstract Scaling of concrete due to salt frost attack is an important durability issue in moderate and cold climates. The actual damage mechanism still not completely understood. Two recent theories—the glue spall theory the cryogenic suction theory—offer plausible, but conflicting explanations for scaling mechanism. present study deals with theory, which assumes that freezing can take up unfrozen brine from a partly frozen deicing solution during attack. According model hypothesis, resulting saturation surface layer intensifies ice formation this causes scaling. In experimental technique was developed makes it possible quantify extent uptake increase hardened cement paste (used as material concrete). experiments were carried out low temperature differential scanning calorimetry, where specimens subjected freeze–thaw cycles while being contact NaCl brine. Results showed content increased subsequent at temperatures below 0 °C. ability bind chlorides absorbed same time affected freezing/melting behavior pore magnitude content.