Durability and Microstructural Evolution of PVA-Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Under Coupled Sulfate Attack and Freeze–Thaw Conditions

Abstract

To address the engineering challenge of durability deterioration in concrete structures in the cold and saline regions in northern China, this study investigated PVA fiber-reinforced concrete under combined sulfate attack and freeze–thaw cycles using PVA fiber volume fractions (0%, 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%) and salt-freeze cycles (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 cycles) as key variables. By testing the mechanical and microscopic properties of the specimens after salt-freeze, the degradation law of macroscopic performance and the evolution mechanism of microscopic structure of PVA fiber concrete under different volume fractions are analyzed, and the salt-freeze damage evolution equation is established based on the loss rate of relative dynamic elastic modulus. The results show that the addition of PVA fibers has no significant inhibitory effect on the surface erosion of concrete, and the degree of surface spalling of concrete still increases with the increase in the number of salt-freeze cycles. With the increase in the number of salt-freezing cycles, the mass, relative dynamic elastic modulus and cube compressive strength of the specimens first increase and then decrease, while the splitting tensile strength continuously decreases. The volume fraction of 0.3% PVA fibers has the most significant effect on improving the cube compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of concrete, and at the same time, it allows concrete to reach its best salt-freezing resistance. PVA fibers contribute to a denser microstructure, inhibit the development of micro-cracks, delay the formation of erosion products, and enhance the salt-freezing resistance of concrete. The damage degree D of relative dynamic elastic modulus for PVA fiber concrete exhibits a cubic functional relationship with the number of salt-freeze cycles N, and the correlation coefficient R2 is greater than 0.88. The equation can accurately describe the damage and deterioration law of PVA fiber concrete in the salt-freeze coupling environment. In contrast to numerous studies on single-factor exposures, this work provides new insights into the degradation mechanisms and optimal fiber dose for PVA fiber concrete under the synergistic effect of combined sulfate and freeze-thaw attacks, a critical scenario for infrastructure in cold saline regions. This study can provide theoretical guidance for the durability assessment and engineering application of PVA fiber concrete in cold and saline regions.