Frost resistance of building materials: Modelling of critical degrees of saturation

In this thesis it is shown that the critical degree of saturation is suitable as parameter for the frost resistance of porous building materials. A numerical model for prediction of critical degrees of saturation based on fracture mechanics and phase geometry of two-phase materials, e.g. porous materials, has been developed.The importance of the pore structure on the development of stresses in the material during freezing is emphasized. To verify the model, experimental investigations are made on various concretes without air-entrainment and brick tiles with different porosities.Calculations of critical degrees of saturation are compared with experimentally determined values and results from standardised freeze-thaw tests. Based on these results, the model, its mode of operation and the conditions of the model is analysed and discussed.Appendices and description of supplementary tests are placed in separate volumes.