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Freeze thaw weathering

Freeze-thaw weathering: Its effect on road pavements

Frost penetration and thawing cycles can be a daunting task for the streets and buildings when the winter sets in. This process happens naturally but it can be very harsh on the road pavements over time as it causes cracks, erosion and even very serious damage.

What is freeze-thaw weathering?

Freeze-thaw weathering is a natural geological process where water infiltrates cracks, crevices, and porous materials such as rocks and structures. It is also known as frost shattering.. As temperatures fluctuate, the water freezes and expands. This exerts a significant pressure on the surrounding rock, leading to the formation of fractures. This cycle repeats, with each freeze-thaw sequence creating conditions leading to severe pavement degradation, including the formation of cracks, potholes, and reduced structural integrity, ultimately impacting vehicle safety and maintenance costs. This process is particularly detrimental to concrete pavements and asphalt when water ingress is combined with freeze-thaw cycles.

How does freeze-thaw weathering occur?

  1. Water infiltration: Water penetrates through insignificant fissures, interstices, or pores present in the pavement or concrete. Structures of this kind allow water to reside in them with ease thus preparing them for any freeze-thaw cycle that may be encountered.
  2. Expansion upon freezing: Upon the drop of temperatures, the water that is trapped within the voids turns into ice and occupies a larger volume.
  3. Crack widening: These cracks tend to increase in size with each cycle of freeze and thaw. Freeze thaw cycles often start with microcracks turning out to be a large one, compromising the surface and causing visible damage.
  4. Decreased structural integrity: Freeze thaw cycle accelerates deterioration in structural integrity of most buildings. Plastic pavements in particular, disintegrate and become more vulnerable to wear and tear.

Effects of freeze-thaw weathering on civil structures

  • Cracking and spalling: Constant stressing from freeze-thaw cycles results in surface crack development, which can lead to spalling. This is characterized by thumb-sized pieces of material popping out from the surface. The repeated expansion and contraction weaken the material integrity, leading to a higher likelihood of visible damage.
  • Loss of strength and durability: Each freeze-thaw cycle contributes to a loss in structural capacity, diminishing the effective lifespan and load-carrying capacity of pavements. Over time, this degradation can significantly impair the performance of roadways and structures.
  • Increased maintenance and repair costs: The presence of damaged pavements necessitates frequent maintenance, resulting in high repair costs. As cracks widen and spalling occurs, the need for resurfacing or complete reconstruction becomes more urgent, placing a financial burden on municipalities and infrastructure managers.
  • Surface erosion: The cyclical process of freeze-thaw exposure leads to surface erosion, gradually removing material from roads, pavements, and building facades. This deterioration not only affects aesthetics but also compromises functionality, increasing the risk of accidents due to uneven surfaces.
  • Impact of De-Icing Salts: In addition to freeze-thaw cycles, the use of de-icing salts exacerbates damage to asphalt pavements. These salts can penetrate cracks and pores, increasing water infiltration. When temperatures drop, the moisture trapped within these materials freezes, leading to further expansion and cracking. This cycle accelerates deterioration, making it essential to consider salt damage as a significant factor in pavement maintenance strategies.

Preventive measures for freeze-thaw weathering in civil engineering

  • Air-entrained concrete: The application of air-entrained concrete imparts the advantage of internal microvoids in the concrete, which facilitate the water to create a minor space for expansion, therefore diminishing the internal stress in the concrete.
  • Waterproof sealants and coatings: Using waterproofing sealants prevent water ingress, reducing the penetration of water hence reducing freeze-thaw effects.
  • Proper drainage systems: Proper drainage systems prevent the formation of standing water by channeling the water away from the areas of the structures. Specifically, proper roadside planting of trees and shrubs can contribute to the absorption of excessive rainwater and the reduction of water accumulation on the road.
  • Selecting freeze-thaw resistant materials: Some materials have a higher tolerance for freezing and thawing. Use of  waste by-products, such as water-treatment sludge and steel-production byproducts, during the course of a pavement construction can increase the longevity of the structures.
  • Thermal expansion joints: A thermal expansion joint is a necessary structural feature that allows for seasonal swelling and contraction of building materials. These joints prevent the material from cracking or warping under stress.

Testing for freeze-thaw durability in construction materials

  • Freeze-thaw cycle test: This evaluation mimics the effects of freeze-thaw actions on different materials over a period of time and measures the performances. A typical freeze thaw test involves around 300 cycles, with each cycle lasting up to 4 to 6 hours.
  • Abrasion resistance test: Testing for abrasion resistance ensures that the materials do not lose their surface smoothness. ASTM C944 is the standard test method commonly used which rotates a cutter or abrasive against the surface of the concrete specimen.
  • Compressive strength test: Evaluation of compressive strength involves testing the material properties that can resist loading. A compression testing machine is used to apply a uniform load to the specimen until failure, and is typically expressed in megapascals.
  • Chloride penetration test: This test is also used to evaluate how well the material is susceptible to chloride ions, which can accelerate the reinforcement corrosion. A commonly used test is ASTMC1202.

How strata global can help combat freeze-thaw weathering?

  • StrataWeb® geocells for soil stabilisation and drainage: StrataWeb® geocells are designed to improve load-bearing capacities and distribute applied loads over a larger area, which is crucial in freeze-thaw prone conditions. This cellular confinement system enhances pavement performance by stabilizing base materials, significantly reducing pressure on the subgrade. By allowing water to flow laterally through the gaps between cells, StrataWeb® minimizes frost-induced damage and prolongs the lifespan of roadways and parking lots. Additionally, using StrataWeb® can lead to substantial cost savings by reducing the amount of base material required while maintaining structural integrity.
  • StrataDrain™ geocomposite for effective water management: StrataDrain™ geocomposites facilitate efficient water flow, preventing water from pooling on surfaces and reducing saturation in the soil. This effective water management is essential for minimizing freeze-thaw damage, as it helps maintain a stable subgrade condition. The design of StrataDrain™ also contributes to long-term durability by ensuring that excess moisture does not compromise the structural integrity of pavements.
  • StrataGrid™ geogrids for reinforcement in freeze-thaw prone areas: StrataGrid™ uniaxial geogrids enhance the strength of road bases and materials, providing reinforcement that helps resist cracking during freeze-thaw cycles. The high tensile strength of these geogrids prevents upward movement of soils caused by freezing, thereby reducing frost heave potential. By improving load distribution and reducing material stress, StrataGrid™ contributes to the longevity of infrastructure in challenging environments.
  • StrataTex™ geotextiles for filtration and separation: StrataTex™ knitted geotextiles are essential for controlling soil movement while providing firm road surfaces. They prevent soil migration, allowing for efficient drainage without clogging, which is critical in managing water during freeze-thaw cycles. By facilitating lateral drainage, StrataTex™ helps maintain stable conditions within road structures, reducing the risk of frost heave and extending the lifespan of pavements.

The process of freeze-thaw weathering is a longstanding problem to roads, buildings, and other infrastructures found in cold regions. Knowing its effects and taking the right measures enables one to have long-term durability and performance. Strata Global strives to provide advanced solutions that address freeze/thaw damage, thereby enhancing the quality and safety of roads and buildings.

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