Research on mechanical properties and durability of early frozen concrete: A review

The mechanical properties and durability of concrete are significantly affected by early frozen, during the early curing phase, concrete has a relatively low initial strength, and its hydration reaction rate is impeded by the early frost stage, leading to internal water freezing and subsequent expansive stress. The freezing and expansion deformations induce crack formation in the concrete structure. Even if positive-temperature curing is implemented for a specific period, some deformations remain irreparable, significantly compromising the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. Research on early frozen concrete mainly focus on water-cement ratio, freezing temperature, curing age, and additive dosage, which have different effects on the mechanical properties, durability, and microstructure of concrete. This paper systematically summarizes and analyzes the effects of early freezing on the mechanical properties and durability of concrete subjected to early frozen at home and abroad, and predicts and analyzes its future research directions and trends in this field.