Study on the characteristics of concrete freeze-thaw cycling based on acoustic methods

In this study, the acoustic characteristics of concrete of different strength grades under the action of freeze-thaw cycles were tested by the combined method of acoustic emission monitoring and ultrasonic detection, and the damage evolution law of concrete under the action of freeze-thaw cycles was investigated. The variation patterns of acoustic emission signal amplitude during freeze-thaw cycles were analyzed. Ultrasonic testing measured the sound velocity of concrete post-cycle, and an exponential function was used to fit the relationship between compressive strength and ultrasonic wave velocity. A freeze-thaw damage model for concrete based on the Weibull distribution was proposed. In practical engineering applications, the extent of freeze-thaw damage can be assessed by analyzing changes in concrete wave velocity and compressive strength. • Combined acoustic emission monitoring and ultrasonic testing. • The density distribution of acoustic emission signals during freeze-thaw cycles was analyzed. • A three-level damage assessment system based on ultrasonic wave velocity and compressive strength has been proposed.