Date Approved

9-8-2026

Embargo Period

9-7-2028

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S. Civil Engineering

Department

Civil engineering

College

Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering

Advisor

Gilson Lomboy, Ph.D.

Committee Member 1

William T. Riddell, Ph.D.

Committee Member 2

Benjamin E. Watts, Ph.D.

Keywords

additive based freeze protection ABFP;cold-weather concrete;low temperature concrete;setting time

Disciplines

Civil and Environmental Engineering | Civil Engineering | Engineering

Abstract

Cold-weather concreting is vulnerable to mechanical property loss when concrete is exposed to deep freezing during early-age development. This study quantified the effects of deep-freeze exposure timing and duration on cold-cured concrete incorporating an additive-based freeze protection (ABFP) admixture system. Concrete mixtures were prepared under cold-weather conditions, continuously cured at −5 °C, and exposed to deep-freeze chamber setpoints of −10 °C, −20 °C, and −40 °C. For the timing assessment, 24-hour exposures were initiated after initial set (IS), after final set (FS), and 24 hours after mixing (1D). For the duration assessment, exposure onset was fixed at final set, with exposure durations of 1D, 3D, and 7D. Compressive strength was evaluated at 7, 14, 28, 56, and 90 days following ASTM C39 and normalized to age-matched controls. Static modulus of elasticity and resonant frequency were also measured following ASTM C469 and ASTM C215. Results showed dominant early-age sensitivity, with IS exposure producing the greatest reductions, including an average normalized compressive strength of 0.80 and a minimum of 0.74 at −40 °C. Longer exposure durations caused larger early-age deficits, while later-age recovery was observed. Cooling-curve trends supported the observed mechanical behavior.

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Available for download on Thursday, September 07, 2028

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