Numerical models simulating frost action in cement-based materials

Abstract

This study presents an overview of numerical models simulating frost action in cement-based materials. Most of the frost action models are grouped in one of three main groups named poroelastic models, lattice models, and rigid body spring models formed according to the followed mechanical principles providing stress estimation and volume change. Other models are further grouped based on underlying physical or empirical principles and potential applications. It is the intention that the overview of numerical models highlights aspects of frost action that are known to be important in experimental research but considered very sporadically in numerical modeling. This study can help new model builders to choose a modeling approach, and important factors need to be considered for their own work.