# Chloride Ion Corrosion Pattern and Mathematical Model for C60 High-Strength Concrete after Freeze-Thawing Cycles

Authors: Yan Li; Bing Li; Lian-ying Zhang; Chao Ma; Jiong Zhu; Ming Li; Hai Pu
Journal: Advances in Civil Engineering
 (2021)

---

## Abstract

In this study, the porosities of C60 high-strength concrete after 0, 30, 60, and 90 freeze-thaw cycles determined via the water retention method are 1.30%, 3.65%, 5.14%, and 7.34%, respectively. Furthermore, a mathematical model of porosity varying with the number of freeze-thaw cycles is established. Using an artificial environment simulation experimental system and the natural diffusion method, the chloride diffusion law of C60 high-strength concrete after 0, 30, 60, and 90 freeze-thaw cycles is obtained. The corresponding diffusion coefficients are calculated based on the experimental results and Fick’s law, where 0.3431 × 10−12, 0.5288 × 10−12, and 0.6712 × 10−12, and 0.8930 × 10−12 m2/s are obtained, respectively, and a mathematical model of diffusion coefficient with freeze-thawing is established. Transport control equations comprising solution flow and solute migration control equations are established for chloride ions in concrete after freeze-thawing cycles. The equations consider the effects of freeze-thawing, solution pressure, solution concentration, solution density, convection, mechanical dispersion, and chemisorption on chloride ion transport in concrete. Using COMSOL numerical software, the transport control equations for chloride ions are solved using a real concrete numerical model, and the chloride ion corrosion process in concrete after freeze-thaw cycles is simulated. The simulation results are consistent with the experimental values.


---

## Body

## 1. Introduction

With the continuous increase in energy demand, mineral resources extraction has gradually shifted to deeper strata, and the development depth of vertical shafts has increased consequently, along with the increase in the cross-sectional size of the shaft [1–12]. For the development of deep and thick unstable aquifer mines, the artificial ground freezing method is widely used [13–15]. When constructing using the freezing method, the freezing shaft lining is crucial, and its main function is to block groundwater and withstand the temporary load to ensure the safety and smooth operation of shaft sinking construction [16–19]. The structural forms of freezing shaft lining primarily include single-layer reinforced concrete, double-layer reinforced concrete, and reinforced concrete composite shaft lining. Currently, concrete materials are essential in the construction of all freezing shaft lining. With the increase in mining depth, high-strength and high-performance concrete materials such as C60 and C70 have been used for freezing shaft lining, and many scholars have conducted relevant studies [20–24].As the freezing shaft lining is generally cast on site, pouring concrete will produce a large amount of heat of hydration, and the heat of hydration will contribute to part of the freezing lining temperature. After the heat of hydration dissipates, the freezing lining will refreeze, and the temperature will decrease; therefore, the freezing shaft lining will be in a freeze-thaw environment with a changing temperature field, posing a significant challenge to the strength and stability of the freezing lining. Hence, many scholars have investigated the effect of temperature on the rupture of vertical shaft lining [20–32]. Reinforced concrete structures for freezing shaft lining not only are affected by temperature and stress fields but also are susceptible to the corrosive effects of the subsurface environment. For example, sulfate has a certain corrosive and destructive effect on concrete materials, and the intrusion of chloride ions accelerates the rusting of reinforcing steel bars, thereby affecting the stability of the structure; this is closely associated with the durability problem of concrete structures and materials [33–37].By understanding the corrosion law of chloride ions in C60 high-strength concrete after freeze-thawing, we aim to establish control equations for chloride ion transport in concrete considering freeze-thawing, solution pressure, solution concentration, solution density, convection, mechanical dispersion, and chemisorption and verify them by numerical calculations to provide some theoretical basis for the design, construction, and safe use evaluation of freezing shaft lining.


## 2. Porosity of Concrete after Freeze-Thawing Cycles

### 2.1. Materials and Mix Proportions

They are cement: 42.5 grade ordinary silicate cement supplied by Xuzhou Zhonglian Cement Plant, the composition of which is shown in Table1; fine aggregate: river sand with a fineness modulus of 2.8, good gradation, apparent density of 2679 kg/m3, and silt content of 2.49%; and coarse aggregate: stone, particle size of 5–20 mm, apparent density of 2719 kg/m3, and silt content of 0.54%. The mix proportions of concrete were 453 kg/m3 cement, 740 kg/m3 sand, 1112 kg/m3 stone, and 145 kg/m3 water; the water-cement ratio was 0.32. The compressive strength of the sample was 57.0 MPa after 28 d of standard curing.Table 1
Composition of cement.
MaterialsSiO2 (%)Al2O3 (%)Fe2O3 (%)CaO (%)MgONa2O (%)K2O (%)SO3 (%)Cement21.64.134.5764.471.06%0.110.561.74Fly ash55.625.86.908.701.80%0.300.100.60


### 2.2. Test Procedure

The test procedure, as shown in Figure1, is as follows.Figure 1
Schematic diagram of test procedure to determine water absorption performance.Three cylindrical concrete samples of diameterd 100 mm and height h 50 mm (standard curing for 28 d) were used. Their actual height was measured, and then they were subjected to 0, 30, 60, and 90 freeze-thaw cycles (based on the GBT50082-2009 standard, China, shown in Figure 1(a)) and porosity tests (shown in Figures 1(a)–1(d)).The porosity test was performed using the water saturation method. The freeze-thaw treated samples were first dried at 40°C for 48 h (shown in Figure1(b)) and then weighed using an electronic balance, placed in a water tank with a 16 mm diameter PVC pipe underneath, and filled with room-temperature water such that the water surface was 4-5 mm above the bottom of the sample (shown in Figure 1(c)). The samples were removed at 5, 10, 30, 60, 120, 720, and 1440 min, respectively, and then weighed (shown in Figure 1(d)) and placed back immediately until all intervals were completed. Finally, the samples were completely submerged, and their water-saturated mass was measured after another 48 h.


### 2.3. Porosity

Porosityϕ is calculated using the following equation:(1)ϕ=VwsVcs,where ϕ is the porosity, Vws is the volume of water in the sample when saturated, and Vcs is the actual volume of the sample.Vws and Vcs are calculated using the two following equations, respectively:(2)Vws=mwsρw,(3)Vcs=14πd2hc.In equation (2), mws is the mass of water in the sample when saturated, and ρw is the density of water; in equation (3), the diameter of the sample d = 100 mm, and hc is the actual height of the sample.mws is calculated using the following equation:(4)w=m1−m0m0,where m1 is the mass of the concrete sample when saturated and m0 is the initial mass of the concrete sample after drying.The porosity of concrete after 0, 30, 60, and 90 freeze-thaw cycles was calculated to be 1.30%, 3.65%, 5.14%, and 7.34%, respectively, and a model of porosityϕn varying with the number of freeze-thaw cycles n was obtained, as shown in the following equation:(5)ϕn=ϕ0ηeθn,where ϕn is the porosity of concrete after freeze-thawing; ϕ0 is the initial porosity of concrete before freeze-thawing; η and θ are the material parameters, set at 1.61459 and 0.0143, respectively; n is the number of freeze-thaw cycles. The experimental values were compared with the calculated values, as shown in Figure 2.Figure 2
Porosity ratioϕn/ϕ0 varying with number of freeze-thaw cycles (n).


## 2.1. Materials and Mix Proportions

They are cement: 42.5 grade ordinary silicate cement supplied by Xuzhou Zhonglian Cement Plant, the composition of which is shown in Table1; fine aggregate: river sand with a fineness modulus of 2.8, good gradation, apparent density of 2679 kg/m3, and silt content of 2.49%; and coarse aggregate: stone, particle size of 5–20 mm, apparent density of 2719 kg/m3, and silt content of 0.54%. The mix proportions of concrete were 453 kg/m3 cement, 740 kg/m3 sand, 1112 kg/m3 stone, and 145 kg/m3 water; the water-cement ratio was 0.32. The compressive strength of the sample was 57.0 MPa after 28 d of standard curing.Table 1
Composition of cement.
MaterialsSiO2 (%)Al2O3 (%)Fe2O3 (%)CaO (%)MgONa2O (%)K2O (%)SO3 (%)Cement21.64.134.5764.471.06%0.110.561.74Fly ash55.625.86.908.701.80%0.300.100.60


## 2.2. Test Procedure

The test procedure, as shown in Figure1, is as follows.Figure 1
Schematic diagram of test procedure to determine water absorption performance.Three cylindrical concrete samples of diameterd 100 mm and height h 50 mm (standard curing for 28 d) were used. Their actual height was measured, and then they were subjected to 0, 30, 60, and 90 freeze-thaw cycles (based on the GBT50082-2009 standard, China, shown in Figure 1(a)) and porosity tests (shown in Figures 1(a)–1(d)).The porosity test was performed using the water saturation method. The freeze-thaw treated samples were first dried at 40°C for 48 h (shown in Figure1(b)) and then weighed using an electronic balance, placed in a water tank with a 16 mm diameter PVC pipe underneath, and filled with room-temperature water such that the water surface was 4-5 mm above the bottom of the sample (shown in Figure 1(c)). The samples were removed at 5, 10, 30, 60, 120, 720, and 1440 min, respectively, and then weighed (shown in Figure 1(d)) and placed back immediately until all intervals were completed. Finally, the samples were completely submerged, and their water-saturated mass was measured after another 48 h.


## 2.3. Porosity

Porosityϕ is calculated using the following equation:(1)ϕ=VwsVcs,where ϕ is the porosity, Vws is the volume of water in the sample when saturated, and Vcs is the actual volume of the sample.Vws and Vcs are calculated using the two following equations, respectively:(2)Vws=mwsρw,(3)Vcs=14πd2hc.In equation (2), mws is the mass of water in the sample when saturated, and ρw is the density of water; in equation (3), the diameter of the sample d = 100 mm, and hc is the actual height of the sample.mws is calculated using the following equation:(4)w=m1−m0m0,where m1 is the mass of the concrete sample when saturated and m0 is the initial mass of the concrete sample after drying.The porosity of concrete after 0, 30, 60, and 90 freeze-thaw cycles was calculated to be 1.30%, 3.65%, 5.14%, and 7.34%, respectively, and a model of porosityϕn varying with the number of freeze-thaw cycles n was obtained, as shown in the following equation:(5)ϕn=ϕ0ηeθn,where ϕn is the porosity of concrete after freeze-thawing; ϕ0 is the initial porosity of concrete before freeze-thawing; η and θ are the material parameters, set at 1.61459 and 0.0143, respectively; n is the number of freeze-thaw cycles. The experimental values were compared with the calculated values, as shown in Figure 2.Figure 2
Porosity ratioϕn/ϕ0 varying with number of freeze-thaw cycles (n).


## 3. Corrosion Pattern of Chloride Ions in Concrete after Freeze-Thawing Cycles

### 3.1. Test Methodology

The sample measured 100 mm × 100 mm × 400 mm; the materials and mix proportions are shown in Section2.1, and the test procedure is shown in Figure 3. In the test, four groups (three samples in each group) were formed and treated with 0, 30, 60, and 90 freeze-thaw cycles, respectively (based on GBT50082-2009, shown in Figure 3(a)); subsequently, a 100 mm × 400 mm rectangular surface of each sample was used as the corrosive surface, and the other surfaces were sealed with epoxy resin (shown in Figure 3(b)). The sealed samples were placed into an artificial marine climate simulation laboratory for salt spray corrosion test (shown in Figure 3(c)), and the humidity in the environmental chamber was controlled at 75%–80%. The salt spray corrosion settings were as follows: salt spray “on” for 12 h/d (hour/day) + salt spray “off” for 12 h/d and NaCl mass concentration of 5% in the salt spray solution. When the corrosion time reached 30, 110, 190, and 270 d, the samples were removed, concrete powder was obtained by drilling to depths of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 mm, respectively (shown in Figure 3(d)), and the chloride ion concentration values were measured using a DY-2501A chloride ion concentration rapid tester (shown in Figure 3(e)). After each drilling of powder, the borehole was sealed with a sealant. Subsequently, the samples were placed back into the artificial marine climate simulation laboratory and continued to be corroded until the next testing time point (shown in Figure 3(f)), that is, until the end of 270 d of corrosion.Figure 3
Flow chart of concrete chloride ion corrosion test.


### 3.2. Chlorine Ion Concentration

Figures4(a)–4(d) present the variation patterns of chloride ion concentration value c with depth l after 30, 110, 190, and 270 d of chloride ion corrosion, respectively, the analysis of which shows that c of the samples decreased with increasing l. In this experiment, the salt spray cycle corrosion mechanism was used, and the driving force for chloride ion intrusion into concrete was primarily provided by capillary action and concentration gradient. The chloride ion concentration gradient in the surface layer of concrete was relatively large, whereas the chloride ion concentration gradient in the deep layer was relatively small; hence, more chloride ions were accumulated in the surface layer of concrete. As the corrosion time progressed, the total chloride ion corrosion and corrosion depth increased. As the number of freeze-thaw cycles increased, the porosity of the concrete increased, the water and air permeability of the samples increased, chloride ions were more easily accessible and stored, and the corrosion concentration of chloride ions increased (at the same depth).Figure 4
Variation pattern of concrete chloride ion concentration (c) with depth (l) after freeze-thawing. (a) t = 30 d. (b) t = 110 d. (c) t = 190 d. (d) t = 270 d.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


### 3.3. Chloride Ion Diffusion Coefficient

Fick’s second law was used to describe the corrosion pattern of chloride ions in concrete, as shown in the following equation:(6)Cl,t=C0+Cs−C01−erfl2Dt.C0 is the initial chloride ion mass concentration at any section of concrete, Cs is the chloride ion mass concentration at the concrete surface at any moment t, D is the chloride ion diffusion coefficient, t is the time, l is the distance from the concrete surface, and erf is the error function.The inverse solution of equation (6) yields the equation for the chloride ion diffusion coefficient as follows:(7)D=1tl2erf−1−/Cl,t−C0Cs−C02.The mass concentration of chloride ions on the concrete surfaceCs is calculated as follows:(8)cs=ϕρcwωρs+ϕρcwω×35.558.5×100%,where ϕ is the porosity of concrete; ρw is the density of sodium chloride solution, that is, 1034 kg/m3; ρs is the density of concrete, that is, 2400 kg/m3; ω is the mass concentration of sodium chloride in the solution, that is, 5%.Based on equations (7) and (8), the chloride ion diffusion coefficient D at l = 5 mm was calculated using MATLAB, and the results are shown in Table 2.Table 2
Chloride ion diffusion coefficientD.
Number of freeze-thaw cyclesn/cycleChloride ion diffusion coefficientD/(×10−12 m2/s)Mean value (×10−12m2/s)t = 30 dt = 110 dt = 190 dt = 270 d00.82300.31620.22470.16830.3831301.01600.38120.35450.36360.5288401.15800.53200.46800.52670.6712901.56100.65520.54550.81020.8930A mathematical model correlating the chloride ion diffusion coefficientDn with the number of freeze-thaw cycles n was developed, as shown in the following equation:(9)Dn=D0ζeψn,where Dn is the diffusion coefficient of concrete after freeze-thawing; D0 is the diffusion coefficient of concrete before freeze-thawing; ζ and ψ are the material parameters, which were set to 1.02151 and 0.00916, respectively; n is the number of freeze-thaw cycles. The experimental and calculated values were compared, as shown in Figure 5.Figure 5
Variation curve of diffusion coefficient ratioDn/(D) 0 with respect to number of freeze-thaw cycles (n).


## 3.1. Test Methodology

The sample measured 100 mm × 100 mm × 400 mm; the materials and mix proportions are shown in Section2.1, and the test procedure is shown in Figure 3. In the test, four groups (three samples in each group) were formed and treated with 0, 30, 60, and 90 freeze-thaw cycles, respectively (based on GBT50082-2009, shown in Figure 3(a)); subsequently, a 100 mm × 400 mm rectangular surface of each sample was used as the corrosive surface, and the other surfaces were sealed with epoxy resin (shown in Figure 3(b)). The sealed samples were placed into an artificial marine climate simulation laboratory for salt spray corrosion test (shown in Figure 3(c)), and the humidity in the environmental chamber was controlled at 75%–80%. The salt spray corrosion settings were as follows: salt spray “on” for 12 h/d (hour/day) + salt spray “off” for 12 h/d and NaCl mass concentration of 5% in the salt spray solution. When the corrosion time reached 30, 110, 190, and 270 d, the samples were removed, concrete powder was obtained by drilling to depths of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 mm, respectively (shown in Figure 3(d)), and the chloride ion concentration values were measured using a DY-2501A chloride ion concentration rapid tester (shown in Figure 3(e)). After each drilling of powder, the borehole was sealed with a sealant. Subsequently, the samples were placed back into the artificial marine climate simulation laboratory and continued to be corroded until the next testing time point (shown in Figure 3(f)), that is, until the end of 270 d of corrosion.Figure 3
Flow chart of concrete chloride ion corrosion test.


## 3.2. Chlorine Ion Concentration

Figures4(a)–4(d) present the variation patterns of chloride ion concentration value c with depth l after 30, 110, 190, and 270 d of chloride ion corrosion, respectively, the analysis of which shows that c of the samples decreased with increasing l. In this experiment, the salt spray cycle corrosion mechanism was used, and the driving force for chloride ion intrusion into concrete was primarily provided by capillary action and concentration gradient. The chloride ion concentration gradient in the surface layer of concrete was relatively large, whereas the chloride ion concentration gradient in the deep layer was relatively small; hence, more chloride ions were accumulated in the surface layer of concrete. As the corrosion time progressed, the total chloride ion corrosion and corrosion depth increased. As the number of freeze-thaw cycles increased, the porosity of the concrete increased, the water and air permeability of the samples increased, chloride ions were more easily accessible and stored, and the corrosion concentration of chloride ions increased (at the same depth).Figure 4
Variation pattern of concrete chloride ion concentration (c) with depth (l) after freeze-thawing. (a) t = 30 d. (b) t = 110 d. (c) t = 190 d. (d) t = 270 d.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


## 3.3. Chloride Ion Diffusion Coefficient

Fick’s second law was used to describe the corrosion pattern of chloride ions in concrete, as shown in the following equation:(6)Cl,t=C0+Cs−C01−erfl2Dt.C0 is the initial chloride ion mass concentration at any section of concrete, Cs is the chloride ion mass concentration at the concrete surface at any moment t, D is the chloride ion diffusion coefficient, t is the time, l is the distance from the concrete surface, and erf is the error function.The inverse solution of equation (6) yields the equation for the chloride ion diffusion coefficient as follows:(7)D=1tl2erf−1−/Cl,t−C0Cs−C02.The mass concentration of chloride ions on the concrete surfaceCs is calculated as follows:(8)cs=ϕρcwωρs+ϕρcwω×35.558.5×100%,where ϕ is the porosity of concrete; ρw is the density of sodium chloride solution, that is, 1034 kg/m3; ρs is the density of concrete, that is, 2400 kg/m3; ω is the mass concentration of sodium chloride in the solution, that is, 5%.Based on equations (7) and (8), the chloride ion diffusion coefficient D at l = 5 mm was calculated using MATLAB, and the results are shown in Table 2.Table 2
Chloride ion diffusion coefficientD.
Number of freeze-thaw cyclesn/cycleChloride ion diffusion coefficientD/(×10−12 m2/s)Mean value (×10−12m2/s)t = 30 dt = 110 dt = 190 dt = 270 d00.82300.31620.22470.16830.3831301.01600.38120.35450.36360.5288401.15800.53200.46800.52670.6712901.56100.65520.54550.81020.8930A mathematical model correlating the chloride ion diffusion coefficientDn with the number of freeze-thaw cycles n was developed, as shown in the following equation:(9)Dn=D0ζeψn,where Dn is the diffusion coefficient of concrete after freeze-thawing; D0 is the diffusion coefficient of concrete before freeze-thawing; ζ and ψ are the material parameters, which were set to 1.02151 and 0.00916, respectively; n is the number of freeze-thaw cycles. The experimental and calculated values were compared, as shown in Figure 5.Figure 5
Variation curve of diffusion coefficient ratioDn/(D) 0 with respect to number of freeze-thaw cycles (n).


## 4. Control Equations for Chloride Ion Transport in Concrete after Freeze-Thawing Cycles

### 4.1. Basic Hypotheses

To derive the control equations for chloride ion transport in freeze-thaw corroded concrete, the following hypotheses are proposed: the liquid in concrete is an ideal liquid; the effect of temperature on liquid flow is not considered; and only a single solute (chloride ion) is considered. The transport of chloride ions in concrete can be classified into two main processes: solution flow and solute migration, in which the effects of freeze-thawing on both primarily affect the porosity and diffusion coefficient.


### 4.2. Control Equation for Solution Flow

#### 4.2.1. Mass Continuity Equation

(10)∂ρϕ∂t+∇⋅ρv⟶=0,where ρ is the density of the solution, ϕ is the porosity, t is the time, v⟶=vx,vy,vzT, and ∇=∂/∂x,∂/∂y,∂/∂z.


#### 4.2.2. Porosity

Introducing the parameterξ, pore deformation due to pore pressure changes can be characterized.(11)ξ=1UwdUwdP,where Uw denotes the pore volume.The volume of each component phase of the porous medium is expressed as follows:(12)U=1ϕUw=Uw+Us,where U is the total volume of the porous medium, Us is the volume of the solid skeleton of the porous medium, and ϕ is the porosity of the porous medium. Based on the above hypothesis that the solid particles do not undergo deformation, Us is a constant; that is, dUs=0.Subsequently, equation (12) was used to obtain a model of porosity varying with pore pressure as follows:(13)ϕ=fP1+fP,where fP=ϕn0/1+ϕn0eξP−P0 and ϕn0 is as shown in equation (5).


#### 4.2.3. Solution Flow Rate

It is assumed that the solution flow in the porous medium conforms to Darcy’s law and that the effect of gravity is not considered.(14)v⟶=−kμ∇P,where k is the permeability of the solution and μ is the dynamic viscosity of the solution.The relationship between permeability and porosity is described using the Kotyakhov [38] model, as shown in the following equation:(15)k=d2ϕ3721−ϕ2,where d is the effective diameter of the porous medium particles. Based on equation (15), the following can be derived:(16)kk0=ϕϕn31−ϕn1−ϕ2,where k0 is the initial permeability of the solution. Because 1−ϕn≈1 and 1−ϕ≈1, equation (16) can be simplified as follows:(17)kk0=ϕϕn03.Therefore, based on equations (13) and (17), the solution velocity can be expressed as(18)v⟶=−1μk0ϕn3fP1−fP3∇P.


#### 4.2.4. Solution Density

As chloride ions are transported through concrete, the pore pressure and solution concentration change, resulting in changes in the solution density. Hence, the density of solutionρ is a function of the pore pressure P and concentration c; that is,(19)ρ=ρP,c.Taking the derivative of both sides of equation (19) yields(20)dρ=∂ρ∂PdP+∂ρ∂cdc.To effectively characterize the density as a function of pore pressure and solution concentration, two parametersβP and βc were introduced, which are the pressure compression coefficient and concentration compression coefficient, respectively.(21)βP=1ρdρdP,βc=1ρdρdc.ParametersβP and βc represent the ratio of the change in density due to a unit change in pressure to the initial density and the ratio of the change in density due to a unit change in concentration to the initial density, respectively.Substituting equation (21) into equation (20) yields(22)dρ=ρβPdP+βcdc.Integrating both sides of equation (22) yields(23)ρ=ρ0eβPP−P0+βcc−c0,where ρ0 denotes the initial density, P0 denotes the initial pore pressure, and C0 denotes the initial concentration.


#### 4.2.5. Control Equation for Solution Flow

Using equations (10), (13), (18), and (23), the flow control equation for chloride ion solution in concrete porous medium was obtained as follows:(24)ρϕβP+ρξϕ1+fP∂P∂t+ρϕβc∂c∂t+∇⋅−ρku∇P=0.


### 4.3. Control Equation for Solute Migration

Chloride migration in concrete is governed by convection, molecular diffusion, mechanical dispersion, precipitation dissolution, complexation, and chemisorption. However, only the effects of convection, mechanical dispersion, and chemisorption on chloride migration were considered in this study.


#### 4.3.1. Convective Effects

The convective migration of chloride ions is described by convective flux, as shown in the following equation:(25)J⟶v=u⟶c,where J⟶v=Jvx,Jvy,JvzT is the convective flow vector; u⟶=vx,vy,vzT is the solution flow velocity vector.


#### 4.3.2. Mechanical Dispersion

The mechanical dispersion migration flux of chloride ions is expressed by Fick’s first law, as shown in the following equation:(26)J⟶d=−ϕDd∀c,where J⟶d=Jdx,Jdy,JdzT is the dispersion flux vector; Dd=Ddx,Ddy,DdzT represents the mechanical dispersion coefficients in the x-, y-, and z-directions, respectively. If we assume that the porous medium is isotropic, then Dd=Ddx=Ddy=Ddz and Jd=Jdx=Jdy=Jdz; therefore, J⟶d=−ϕDd∀c,.


#### 4.3.3. Chemisorption

The Langmuir adsorption theory was used to describe the chemisorption of chloride ions in concrete transport, as shown in the following equation:(27)1−ϕρsck=1−ϕρsKLCmaxc1+KLc,where ρs is the dry density of the skeleton material, ck is the isothermal adsorption concentration, KL is the Langmuir isothermal nonlinear adsorption partition coefficient, and Cmax is the maximum adsorption capacity.


#### 4.3.4. Control Equation for Solute Migration

(28)∂ϕc∂t−∇⋅ϕD⋅∇c+∇⋅v⟶c=0.Equation (28) is the chloride ion convection-diffusion equation, where [D] denotes the chloride ion diffusion coefficient tensor. It is assumed that the diffusion coefficient is uniform everywhere in the concrete; therefore, the diffusion coefficient can be expressed as shown in equation (9). Considering adsorption, the mass of chloride ions in the representative elementary volume is expressed as ϕc−1−ϕρsKLCmaxc/1+KLc, and the convection-diffusion equation for chloride ions in concrete considering adsorption can be obtained by replacing ϕc in equation (28) with the above equation; that is,(29)c+ρsKLCmaxc1+KLc∂ϕ∂t+ϕ+ϕ−1ρsKLCmax1+KLc2∂c∂t−∀⋅ϕD⋅∀c+∀⋅v⟶c=0.Substituting equation (13) into equation (29) yields the convection-diffusion equation for chloride ions expressed in terms of pressure P and concentration c, as in the following equation:(30)ξc+ρsKLCmaxc1+KLcϕ1+fP∂P∂t+ϕ+ϕ−1ρsKLCmax1+KLc2∂c∂t−∀⋅ϕD⋅∀c+∀⋅v⟶c=0.


### 4.4. Control Equations for Chloride Ion Transport in Concrete

The control equations for chloride ion transport in concrete considering the freeze-thaw action comprise two parts, that is, the solution flow control equation and the solute migration control equation, as shown in31a and 31b, respectively, which contain the effects of convection, diffusion, and chemisorption, reflecting the coupling between the seepage and solute migration fields, where ϕ and D are shown in equations (13) and (9), respectively.(31a)ρϕβP+ρξϕ1+fP∂P∂t+ρϕβc∂c∂t+∀⋅−ρku∀P=0,(31b)ξc+ρsKLCmaxc1+KLcϕ1+fP∂P∂t+ϕ+ϕ−1ρsKLCmax1+KLc2∂c∂t−∀⋅ϕD∀c+∀⋅v⟶c=0.The initial and boundary conditions are solved as follows.The solution flow and solute migration can be described using the Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions as follows:(32)p=p∼t,n⟶⋅kμ∀p=Q˜t,c=c∼t,n⟶⋅D∀c=Ft,where p∼t and Q˜t are the fluid pressure and fluid flow velocity on the solution domain boundary ∂Ω;c∼t and Ft are the chloride ion concentration and chloride ion diffusion flux on the solution domain boundary ∂Ω, respectively. The initial conditions for fluid flow and chloride ion diffusion can be expressed as(33)P0=P0,c0=c0,where P0 and c0 are the initial fluid pressure and chloride ion concentration distribution over the solution domain Ω, respectively.


## 4.1. Basic Hypotheses

To derive the control equations for chloride ion transport in freeze-thaw corroded concrete, the following hypotheses are proposed: the liquid in concrete is an ideal liquid; the effect of temperature on liquid flow is not considered; and only a single solute (chloride ion) is considered. The transport of chloride ions in concrete can be classified into two main processes: solution flow and solute migration, in which the effects of freeze-thawing on both primarily affect the porosity and diffusion coefficient.


## 4.2. Control Equation for Solution Flow

### 4.2.1. Mass Continuity Equation

(10)∂ρϕ∂t+∇⋅ρv⟶=0,where ρ is the density of the solution, ϕ is the porosity, t is the time, v⟶=vx,vy,vzT, and ∇=∂/∂x,∂/∂y,∂/∂z.


### 4.2.2. Porosity

Introducing the parameterξ, pore deformation due to pore pressure changes can be characterized.(11)ξ=1UwdUwdP,where Uw denotes the pore volume.The volume of each component phase of the porous medium is expressed as follows:(12)U=1ϕUw=Uw+Us,where U is the total volume of the porous medium, Us is the volume of the solid skeleton of the porous medium, and ϕ is the porosity of the porous medium. Based on the above hypothesis that the solid particles do not undergo deformation, Us is a constant; that is, dUs=0.Subsequently, equation (12) was used to obtain a model of porosity varying with pore pressure as follows:(13)ϕ=fP1+fP,where fP=ϕn0/1+ϕn0eξP−P0 and ϕn0 is as shown in equation (5).


### 4.2.3. Solution Flow Rate

It is assumed that the solution flow in the porous medium conforms to Darcy’s law and that the effect of gravity is not considered.(14)v⟶=−kμ∇P,where k is the permeability of the solution and μ is the dynamic viscosity of the solution.The relationship between permeability and porosity is described using the Kotyakhov [38] model, as shown in the following equation:(15)k=d2ϕ3721−ϕ2,where d is the effective diameter of the porous medium particles. Based on equation (15), the following can be derived:(16)kk0=ϕϕn31−ϕn1−ϕ2,where k0 is the initial permeability of the solution. Because 1−ϕn≈1 and 1−ϕ≈1, equation (16) can be simplified as follows:(17)kk0=ϕϕn03.Therefore, based on equations (13) and (17), the solution velocity can be expressed as(18)v⟶=−1μk0ϕn3fP1−fP3∇P.


### 4.2.4. Solution Density

As chloride ions are transported through concrete, the pore pressure and solution concentration change, resulting in changes in the solution density. Hence, the density of solutionρ is a function of the pore pressure P and concentration c; that is,(19)ρ=ρP,c.Taking the derivative of both sides of equation (19) yields(20)dρ=∂ρ∂PdP+∂ρ∂cdc.To effectively characterize the density as a function of pore pressure and solution concentration, two parametersβP and βc were introduced, which are the pressure compression coefficient and concentration compression coefficient, respectively.(21)βP=1ρdρdP,βc=1ρdρdc.ParametersβP and βc represent the ratio of the change in density due to a unit change in pressure to the initial density and the ratio of the change in density due to a unit change in concentration to the initial density, respectively.Substituting equation (21) into equation (20) yields(22)dρ=ρβPdP+βcdc.Integrating both sides of equation (22) yields(23)ρ=ρ0eβPP−P0+βcc−c0,where ρ0 denotes the initial density, P0 denotes the initial pore pressure, and C0 denotes the initial concentration.


### 4.2.5. Control Equation for Solution Flow

Using equations (10), (13), (18), and (23), the flow control equation for chloride ion solution in concrete porous medium was obtained as follows:(24)ρϕβP+ρξϕ1+fP∂P∂t+ρϕβc∂c∂t+∇⋅−ρku∇P=0.


## 4.2.1. Mass Continuity Equation

(10)∂ρϕ∂t+∇⋅ρv⟶=0,where ρ is the density of the solution, ϕ is the porosity, t is the time, v⟶=vx,vy,vzT, and ∇=∂/∂x,∂/∂y,∂/∂z.


## 4.2.2. Porosity

Introducing the parameterξ, pore deformation due to pore pressure changes can be characterized.(11)ξ=1UwdUwdP,where Uw denotes the pore volume.The volume of each component phase of the porous medium is expressed as follows:(12)U=1ϕUw=Uw+Us,where U is the total volume of the porous medium, Us is the volume of the solid skeleton of the porous medium, and ϕ is the porosity of the porous medium. Based on the above hypothesis that the solid particles do not undergo deformation, Us is a constant; that is, dUs=0.Subsequently, equation (12) was used to obtain a model of porosity varying with pore pressure as follows:(13)ϕ=fP1+fP,where fP=ϕn0/1+ϕn0eξP−P0 and ϕn0 is as shown in equation (5).


## 4.2.3. Solution Flow Rate

It is assumed that the solution flow in the porous medium conforms to Darcy’s law and that the effect of gravity is not considered.(14)v⟶=−kμ∇P,where k is the permeability of the solution and μ is the dynamic viscosity of the solution.The relationship between permeability and porosity is described using the Kotyakhov [38] model, as shown in the following equation:(15)k=d2ϕ3721−ϕ2,where d is the effective diameter of the porous medium particles. Based on equation (15), the following can be derived:(16)kk0=ϕϕn31−ϕn1−ϕ2,where k0 is the initial permeability of the solution. Because 1−ϕn≈1 and 1−ϕ≈1, equation (16) can be simplified as follows:(17)kk0=ϕϕn03.Therefore, based on equations (13) and (17), the solution velocity can be expressed as(18)v⟶=−1μk0ϕn3fP1−fP3∇P.


## 4.2.4. Solution Density

As chloride ions are transported through concrete, the pore pressure and solution concentration change, resulting in changes in the solution density. Hence, the density of solutionρ is a function of the pore pressure P and concentration c; that is,(19)ρ=ρP,c.Taking the derivative of both sides of equation (19) yields(20)dρ=∂ρ∂PdP+∂ρ∂cdc.To effectively characterize the density as a function of pore pressure and solution concentration, two parametersβP and βc were introduced, which are the pressure compression coefficient and concentration compression coefficient, respectively.(21)βP=1ρdρdP,βc=1ρdρdc.ParametersβP and βc represent the ratio of the change in density due to a unit change in pressure to the initial density and the ratio of the change in density due to a unit change in concentration to the initial density, respectively.Substituting equation (21) into equation (20) yields(22)dρ=ρβPdP+βcdc.Integrating both sides of equation (22) yields(23)ρ=ρ0eβPP−P0+βcc−c0,where ρ0 denotes the initial density, P0 denotes the initial pore pressure, and C0 denotes the initial concentration.


## 4.2.5. Control Equation for Solution Flow

Using equations (10), (13), (18), and (23), the flow control equation for chloride ion solution in concrete porous medium was obtained as follows:(24)ρϕβP+ρξϕ1+fP∂P∂t+ρϕβc∂c∂t+∇⋅−ρku∇P=0.


## 4.3. Control Equation for Solute Migration

Chloride migration in concrete is governed by convection, molecular diffusion, mechanical dispersion, precipitation dissolution, complexation, and chemisorption. However, only the effects of convection, mechanical dispersion, and chemisorption on chloride migration were considered in this study.


### 4.3.1. Convective Effects

The convective migration of chloride ions is described by convective flux, as shown in the following equation:(25)J⟶v=u⟶c,where J⟶v=Jvx,Jvy,JvzT is the convective flow vector; u⟶=vx,vy,vzT is the solution flow velocity vector.


### 4.3.2. Mechanical Dispersion

The mechanical dispersion migration flux of chloride ions is expressed by Fick’s first law, as shown in the following equation:(26)J⟶d=−ϕDd∀c,where J⟶d=Jdx,Jdy,JdzT is the dispersion flux vector; Dd=Ddx,Ddy,DdzT represents the mechanical dispersion coefficients in the x-, y-, and z-directions, respectively. If we assume that the porous medium is isotropic, then Dd=Ddx=Ddy=Ddz and Jd=Jdx=Jdy=Jdz; therefore, J⟶d=−ϕDd∀c,.


### 4.3.3. Chemisorption

The Langmuir adsorption theory was used to describe the chemisorption of chloride ions in concrete transport, as shown in the following equation:(27)1−ϕρsck=1−ϕρsKLCmaxc1+KLc,where ρs is the dry density of the skeleton material, ck is the isothermal adsorption concentration, KL is the Langmuir isothermal nonlinear adsorption partition coefficient, and Cmax is the maximum adsorption capacity.


### 4.3.4. Control Equation for Solute Migration

(28)∂ϕc∂t−∇⋅ϕD⋅∇c+∇⋅v⟶c=0.Equation (28) is the chloride ion convection-diffusion equation, where [D] denotes the chloride ion diffusion coefficient tensor. It is assumed that the diffusion coefficient is uniform everywhere in the concrete; therefore, the diffusion coefficient can be expressed as shown in equation (9). Considering adsorption, the mass of chloride ions in the representative elementary volume is expressed as ϕc−1−ϕρsKLCmaxc/1+KLc, and the convection-diffusion equation for chloride ions in concrete considering adsorption can be obtained by replacing ϕc in equation (28) with the above equation; that is,(29)c+ρsKLCmaxc1+KLc∂ϕ∂t+ϕ+ϕ−1ρsKLCmax1+KLc2∂c∂t−∀⋅ϕD⋅∀c+∀⋅v⟶c=0.Substituting equation (13) into equation (29) yields the convection-diffusion equation for chloride ions expressed in terms of pressure P and concentration c, as in the following equation:(30)ξc+ρsKLCmaxc1+KLcϕ1+fP∂P∂t+ϕ+ϕ−1ρsKLCmax1+KLc2∂c∂t−∀⋅ϕD⋅∀c+∀⋅v⟶c=0.


## 4.3.1. Convective Effects

The convective migration of chloride ions is described by convective flux, as shown in the following equation:(25)J⟶v=u⟶c,where J⟶v=Jvx,Jvy,JvzT is the convective flow vector; u⟶=vx,vy,vzT is the solution flow velocity vector.


## 4.3.2. Mechanical Dispersion

The mechanical dispersion migration flux of chloride ions is expressed by Fick’s first law, as shown in the following equation:(26)J⟶d=−ϕDd∀c,where J⟶d=Jdx,Jdy,JdzT is the dispersion flux vector; Dd=Ddx,Ddy,DdzT represents the mechanical dispersion coefficients in the x-, y-, and z-directions, respectively. If we assume that the porous medium is isotropic, then Dd=Ddx=Ddy=Ddz and Jd=Jdx=Jdy=Jdz; therefore, J⟶d=−ϕDd∀c,.


## 4.3.3. Chemisorption

The Langmuir adsorption theory was used to describe the chemisorption of chloride ions in concrete transport, as shown in the following equation:(27)1−ϕρsck=1−ϕρsKLCmaxc1+KLc,where ρs is the dry density of the skeleton material, ck is the isothermal adsorption concentration, KL is the Langmuir isothermal nonlinear adsorption partition coefficient, and Cmax is the maximum adsorption capacity.


## 4.3.4. Control Equation for Solute Migration

(28)∂ϕc∂t−∇⋅ϕD⋅∇c+∇⋅v⟶c=0.Equation (28) is the chloride ion convection-diffusion equation, where [D] denotes the chloride ion diffusion coefficient tensor. It is assumed that the diffusion coefficient is uniform everywhere in the concrete; therefore, the diffusion coefficient can be expressed as shown in equation (9). Considering adsorption, the mass of chloride ions in the representative elementary volume is expressed as ϕc−1−ϕρsKLCmaxc/1+KLc, and the convection-diffusion equation for chloride ions in concrete considering adsorption can be obtained by replacing ϕc in equation (28) with the above equation; that is,(29)c+ρsKLCmaxc1+KLc∂ϕ∂t+ϕ+ϕ−1ρsKLCmax1+KLc2∂c∂t−∀⋅ϕD⋅∀c+∀⋅v⟶c=0.Substituting equation (13) into equation (29) yields the convection-diffusion equation for chloride ions expressed in terms of pressure P and concentration c, as in the following equation:(30)ξc+ρsKLCmaxc1+KLcϕ1+fP∂P∂t+ϕ+ϕ−1ρsKLCmax1+KLc2∂c∂t−∀⋅ϕD⋅∀c+∀⋅v⟶c=0.


## 4.4. Control Equations for Chloride Ion Transport in Concrete

The control equations for chloride ion transport in concrete considering the freeze-thaw action comprise two parts, that is, the solution flow control equation and the solute migration control equation, as shown in31a and 31b, respectively, which contain the effects of convection, diffusion, and chemisorption, reflecting the coupling between the seepage and solute migration fields, where ϕ and D are shown in equations (13) and (9), respectively.(31a)ρϕβP+ρξϕ1+fP∂P∂t+ρϕβc∂c∂t+∀⋅−ρku∀P=0,(31b)ξc+ρsKLCmaxc1+KLcϕ1+fP∂P∂t+ϕ+ϕ−1ρsKLCmax1+KLc2∂c∂t−∀⋅ϕD∀c+∀⋅v⟶c=0.The initial and boundary conditions are solved as follows.The solution flow and solute migration can be described using the Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions as follows:(32)p=p∼t,n⟶⋅kμ∀p=Q˜t,c=c∼t,n⟶⋅D∀c=Ft,where p∼t and Q˜t are the fluid pressure and fluid flow velocity on the solution domain boundary ∂Ω;c∼t and Ft are the chloride ion concentration and chloride ion diffusion flux on the solution domain boundary ∂Ω, respectively. The initial conditions for fluid flow and chloride ion diffusion can be expressed as(33)P0=P0,c0=c0,where P0 and c0 are the initial fluid pressure and chloride ion concentration distribution over the solution domain Ω, respectively.


## 5. Model Calculation and Validation

### 5.1. Calculation Scheme

#### 5.1.1. Numerical Model

Equations (31a) and (31b) were solved using COMSOL numerical calculation software to simulate the chloride ion corrosion in concrete after freeze-thawing. The numerical model measured 100 mm × 100 mm, the left boundary was set as the chloride ion corrosion boundary, and the other boundaries were no-flow boundaries. Point A is a point on the midline at a distance 5 mm from the left boundary, as shown in Figure 6. To study the effect of freeze-thaw concrete chloride ion corrosion, numerical simulation scenarios involving 0, 30, 60, and 90 freeze-thaw cycles and 5% chloride salt concentration were investigated. Because of the complex coupled model and boundary conditions, the solution was complex; therefore, the model parameters were partially simplified in the calculation; for example, the porosity ϕ, solution density ρw, chloride ion diffusion coefficient D, and other parameters were set as constants in the calculation.Figure 6
Numerical calculation model.


#### 5.1.2. Initial Pore Size Distribution

As shown in Figure7, the processed numerical plots can accurately reflect the pore-fissure distribution in concrete, with smaller porosity corresponding to coarse aggregates and larger porosity corresponding to cracks. When the numbers of freeze-thaw cycles were 0, 30, and 60, no cracks were observed in the concrete; therefore, the pores were relatively dispersed, and large pores dominated the mortar, as shown in Figures 7(a)–7(c); when the number of freeze-thaw cycles was 90, wider diagonal cracks appeared in the concrete, and the distribution of cracks can be observed well, as shown in Figure 7(d).Figure 7
Cloud plots of initial porosity distribution of concrete after freeze-thawing. (a) (n) = 0. (b) (n) = 3. (c) (n) = 60. (d) (n) = 90.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


### 5.2. Calculation Results and Analysis

#### 5.2.1. Concentration Distribution

Figure8 shows the cloud plots of the chloride ion concentration distribution after 30, 110, 190, and 270 d of chloride ion corrosion of concrete at a corrosive surface concentration of 854 mol/m3 (5% NaCl solution) when the numbers of freeze-thaw cycles n were 0, 30, 60, and 90, respectively. As shown, the chloride ions eroded nonuniformly from the surface to the interior; with the increase in the number of freeze-thaw cycles, chloride ion corrosion accelerated significantly, primarily due to the increased porosity of the concrete. Meanwhile, the chloride ion diffusion and permeation of the concrete after 90 freeze-thaw cycles were significantly faster than those of the concrete after 60 freeze-thaw cycles, primarily due to the increased porosity of the concrete and the generation of microcracks.Figure 8
Cloud plots of chloride ion corrosion concentration distribution of concrete after freeze-thawing.


#### 5.2.2. Chloride Ion Diffusion

Figure9 shows the numerical simulation curves of chloride ion corrosion concentration c in concrete with depth l (horizontal model midline) after different numbers of freeze-thaw cycles compared with the experimental values, where the scatter points represent the experimental values, and the curves represent the simulated value. As shown, the simulated value of chloride ion concentration with depth was not a smooth decreasing curve owing to the introduction of the real concrete numerical model. Furthermore, the results reflected the effect of the coarse aggregates, as shown in Figure 9(d). The simulated curves deviated slightly from the experimental values, particularly in the smaller numbers of freeze-thaw cycles, as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b).Figure 9
Numerically calculated curves of chloride ion concentrationc with depth l compared with experimental values. (a) n = 0. (b) n = 30. (c) n = 60. (d) n = 90.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


## 5.1. Calculation Scheme

### 5.1.1. Numerical Model

Equations (31a) and (31b) were solved using COMSOL numerical calculation software to simulate the chloride ion corrosion in concrete after freeze-thawing. The numerical model measured 100 mm × 100 mm, the left boundary was set as the chloride ion corrosion boundary, and the other boundaries were no-flow boundaries. Point A is a point on the midline at a distance 5 mm from the left boundary, as shown in Figure 6. To study the effect of freeze-thaw concrete chloride ion corrosion, numerical simulation scenarios involving 0, 30, 60, and 90 freeze-thaw cycles and 5% chloride salt concentration were investigated. Because of the complex coupled model and boundary conditions, the solution was complex; therefore, the model parameters were partially simplified in the calculation; for example, the porosity ϕ, solution density ρw, chloride ion diffusion coefficient D, and other parameters were set as constants in the calculation.Figure 6
Numerical calculation model.


### 5.1.2. Initial Pore Size Distribution

As shown in Figure7, the processed numerical plots can accurately reflect the pore-fissure distribution in concrete, with smaller porosity corresponding to coarse aggregates and larger porosity corresponding to cracks. When the numbers of freeze-thaw cycles were 0, 30, and 60, no cracks were observed in the concrete; therefore, the pores were relatively dispersed, and large pores dominated the mortar, as shown in Figures 7(a)–7(c); when the number of freeze-thaw cycles was 90, wider diagonal cracks appeared in the concrete, and the distribution of cracks can be observed well, as shown in Figure 7(d).Figure 7
Cloud plots of initial porosity distribution of concrete after freeze-thawing. (a) (n) = 0. (b) (n) = 3. (c) (n) = 60. (d) (n) = 90.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


## 5.1.1. Numerical Model

Equations (31a) and (31b) were solved using COMSOL numerical calculation software to simulate the chloride ion corrosion in concrete after freeze-thawing. The numerical model measured 100 mm × 100 mm, the left boundary was set as the chloride ion corrosion boundary, and the other boundaries were no-flow boundaries. Point A is a point on the midline at a distance 5 mm from the left boundary, as shown in Figure 6. To study the effect of freeze-thaw concrete chloride ion corrosion, numerical simulation scenarios involving 0, 30, 60, and 90 freeze-thaw cycles and 5% chloride salt concentration were investigated. Because of the complex coupled model and boundary conditions, the solution was complex; therefore, the model parameters were partially simplified in the calculation; for example, the porosity ϕ, solution density ρw, chloride ion diffusion coefficient D, and other parameters were set as constants in the calculation.Figure 6
Numerical calculation model.


## 5.1.2. Initial Pore Size Distribution

As shown in Figure7, the processed numerical plots can accurately reflect the pore-fissure distribution in concrete, with smaller porosity corresponding to coarse aggregates and larger porosity corresponding to cracks. When the numbers of freeze-thaw cycles were 0, 30, and 60, no cracks were observed in the concrete; therefore, the pores were relatively dispersed, and large pores dominated the mortar, as shown in Figures 7(a)–7(c); when the number of freeze-thaw cycles was 90, wider diagonal cracks appeared in the concrete, and the distribution of cracks can be observed well, as shown in Figure 7(d).Figure 7
Cloud plots of initial porosity distribution of concrete after freeze-thawing. (a) (n) = 0. (b) (n) = 3. (c) (n) = 60. (d) (n) = 90.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


## 5.2. Calculation Results and Analysis

### 5.2.1. Concentration Distribution

Figure8 shows the cloud plots of the chloride ion concentration distribution after 30, 110, 190, and 270 d of chloride ion corrosion of concrete at a corrosive surface concentration of 854 mol/m3 (5% NaCl solution) when the numbers of freeze-thaw cycles n were 0, 30, 60, and 90, respectively. As shown, the chloride ions eroded nonuniformly from the surface to the interior; with the increase in the number of freeze-thaw cycles, chloride ion corrosion accelerated significantly, primarily due to the increased porosity of the concrete. Meanwhile, the chloride ion diffusion and permeation of the concrete after 90 freeze-thaw cycles were significantly faster than those of the concrete after 60 freeze-thaw cycles, primarily due to the increased porosity of the concrete and the generation of microcracks.Figure 8
Cloud plots of chloride ion corrosion concentration distribution of concrete after freeze-thawing.


### 5.2.2. Chloride Ion Diffusion

Figure9 shows the numerical simulation curves of chloride ion corrosion concentration c in concrete with depth l (horizontal model midline) after different numbers of freeze-thaw cycles compared with the experimental values, where the scatter points represent the experimental values, and the curves represent the simulated value. As shown, the simulated value of chloride ion concentration with depth was not a smooth decreasing curve owing to the introduction of the real concrete numerical model. Furthermore, the results reflected the effect of the coarse aggregates, as shown in Figure 9(d). The simulated curves deviated slightly from the experimental values, particularly in the smaller numbers of freeze-thaw cycles, as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b).Figure 9
Numerically calculated curves of chloride ion concentrationc with depth l compared with experimental values. (a) n = 0. (b) n = 30. (c) n = 60. (d) n = 90.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


## 5.2.1. Concentration Distribution

Figure8 shows the cloud plots of the chloride ion concentration distribution after 30, 110, 190, and 270 d of chloride ion corrosion of concrete at a corrosive surface concentration of 854 mol/m3 (5% NaCl solution) when the numbers of freeze-thaw cycles n were 0, 30, 60, and 90, respectively. As shown, the chloride ions eroded nonuniformly from the surface to the interior; with the increase in the number of freeze-thaw cycles, chloride ion corrosion accelerated significantly, primarily due to the increased porosity of the concrete. Meanwhile, the chloride ion diffusion and permeation of the concrete after 90 freeze-thaw cycles were significantly faster than those of the concrete after 60 freeze-thaw cycles, primarily due to the increased porosity of the concrete and the generation of microcracks.Figure 8
Cloud plots of chloride ion corrosion concentration distribution of concrete after freeze-thawing.


## 5.2.2. Chloride Ion Diffusion

Figure9 shows the numerical simulation curves of chloride ion corrosion concentration c in concrete with depth l (horizontal model midline) after different numbers of freeze-thaw cycles compared with the experimental values, where the scatter points represent the experimental values, and the curves represent the simulated value. As shown, the simulated value of chloride ion concentration with depth was not a smooth decreasing curve owing to the introduction of the real concrete numerical model. Furthermore, the results reflected the effect of the coarse aggregates, as shown in Figure 9(d). The simulated curves deviated slightly from the experimental values, particularly in the smaller numbers of freeze-thaw cycles, as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b).Figure 9
Numerically calculated curves of chloride ion concentrationc with depth l compared with experimental values. (a) n = 0. (b) n = 30. (c) n = 60. (d) n = 90.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


## 6. Conclusion

The porosities of C60 high-strength concrete after 0, 30, 60, and 90 freeze-thaw cycles determined using the water retention method were 1.30%, 3.65%, 5.14%, and 7.34%, respectively, and a mathematical model of porosity varying with the number of freeze-thaw cycles was developed.The chloride ion diffusion patterns of C60 high-strength concrete after 0, 30, 60, and 90 freeze-thaw cycles were obtained using an artificial environment simulation experimental system and the natural diffusion method, and the corresponding diffusion coefficients were calculated to be 0.3431 × 10−12, 0.5288 × 10−12, 0.6712 × 10−12, and 0.8930 × 10−12m2/s, respectively. Furthermore, a mathematical model of diffusion coefficients varying with the number of freeze-thaw cycles was developed.Transport control equations for chloride ions in concrete after freeze-thawing comprising a solution flow control equation and a solute migration control equation were developed, in which the effects of freeze-thawing, solution pressure, solution concentration, solution density, convective action, mechanical dispersion, and chemisorption on the transport of chloride ions in concrete were considered.The chloride ion transport control equation was solved using a real concrete numerical calculation model in COMSOL numerical software to simulate the chloride ion corrosion process after different numbers of freeze-thaw cycles, and the simulated values of chloride ion concentration agreed well with the experimental values.



---

*Source: 5523499-2021-04-08.xml*