Evaluation of cracking in the shrinkage-compensating concrete with freeze–thaw resistance: from materials to structures

This study reports a kind of shrinkage-compensating concrete with freeze–thaw resistance used in a large-area ice rink. A calcium sulfoaluminate based expansive agent (EA), combined with an air-entraining agent (AEA), was used in concrete. Their effects on slumps, strengths, freeze–thaw resistance, and shrinkage behaviors were extensively studied. A finite element model was subsequently established to evaluate the cracking potential in the actual structure. The results show that EA-AEA-introduced concrete can obtain similar compressive strength and flowability with agents-free concrete. Compared with concrete containing the AEA alone, EA-AEA-introduced concrete exhibits slightly decreased freeze–thaw resistance. But it is still much better than agents-free concrete, with freeze–thaw cycles increasing from 175 to 350. The shrinkage-compensating capacity of AEA-introduced concrete increases with the EA content. Accordingly, concrete with EA content above 7.2% does not crack in the restrained-ring test and shows decreased cracking risk in the structure.