Theoretical Modelling of the Degradation Processes Induced by Freeze-Thaw Cycles on Bond-Slip Laws of Fibres in High-Performance Fibre-Reinforced Concrete

High-performance fibre-reinforced concrete (HPFRC) is a composite material in which the advantages of fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) are combined with those of a high-performance concrete (HPC), which mitigates the weaknesses of conventional concrete and improves its overall performance. With the aim to reduce the long-term maintenance costs of structures, such as heavily loaded bridges, HPFRC is highly recommended due to its major durability performance. Specifically, its good antifreezing property makes it suitable for application in cold regions where cyclic freeze-thaw conditions cause the concrete to degrade. In this paper, a numerical simulation of the degradation processes induced by freeze-thaw cycles on bond-slip laws in HPFRC beam specimens has been developed so as to assess their effect on the flexural response of specimens as the fibres' volume percentage changes. Their cracking strength, postcracking strength, and toughness were predicted, with the present model being able to predict the cracking strength, postcracking strength and toughness of the HPFRC beam element under bending load conditions. Its accuracy was confirmed by comparing the model predictions with experimental results.