==Abstract==

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The aim of this study is to comprehensively investigate the relationship between 3-

dimensional crack development and mechanical degradation during Freeze-thaw cycles (FTC). An FTC

test was designed in this study to relate the micro-scale crack patterns to the macro-scale expansion

and mechanical property deterioration at different FTC damage levels. Mortar specimens with waterto-cement (w/c) ratios of 50% and 75% were cast in two sizes (i.e., Ø5×10 cm, Ø2×2.5 cm) and were

subjected to FTCs. For Ø5×10 cm specimens, strain in the center part of the specimens were monitored

by embedded mold gauges and compression tests were conducted at different expansion levels. For

Ø2×2.5 cm specimens, X-ray micro computed tomography (micro-CT) and compression tests were

conducted after different FTC durations. By comparing the test results of these two groups of specimens,

the expansion, mechanical degradation, and development of micro-cracks in the mortar specimens

during the FTC damage process were correlated. It is indicated that with similar mechanical reduction,

the damage pattern differs in two w/c cases. This research provides a test method for investigating

internal swelling damage and proposes the direction for further improvement of FTC simulation model.

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== Full Paper ==

<pdf>Media:Draft_Sanchez Pinedo_45226278838.pdf</pdf>

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