Prediction of Freeze-Thaw Durability of Concrete

The AASHTO T 161 (ASTM C666) durability factor (DF) is used for evaluation and acceptance of aggregates and is being considered as an end-result performance specification criterion for evaluation of pavement concrete. However, the test method duration is lengthy. In a three-phase project, a method of shorter duration has been developed for the prediction of DF based primarily on aggregate testing. Thirty-two ledge/quarry/geologic formations were subjected to 21 test methods that reflected the major failure mechanisms of frost susceptibility (D-cracking). The DFs ranged from 28 to 98 and nominal maximum aggregate sizes were 3/8 to 1 in. (9.5 to 25 mm). Multiple linear regressions were used to produce several alternate models of varying accuracy and complexity for DF prediction. The models were validated with a separate dataset. As an alternate to the predictive models, a threshold-limits method was also developed based on the combined dataset plus 38 additional aggregates