Experimental, theoretical and numerical modelling of the deterioration and failure process of sandstones subject to freeze-thaw cycles

Comprehensive laboratory experiments were first conducted to investigate the deterioration and failure process of Tasmanian sandstones subjected to various numbers of freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs). A theoretical damage model was then derived to quantify the degradation of the physical– mechanical properties of the sandstones. After that, a series of three-dimensional (3D) numerical modelling was conducted using a unique 3D hybrid finite-discrete element software developed by the authors previously to clarify the damage mechanisms and reproduce the failure process. The results from the laboratory experiment, theoretical model and numerical simulation were then compared with each other to validate the theoretical and numerical models for the deterioration of the sandstones subjected up to 60 FTCs. Beyond 60 FTCs, the deterioration of the sandstones predicted by the theoretical model is validated against the numerical simulation with input parameters extrapolated from those up to 60 FTCs. It is concluded that the theoretical model is able to capture the deterioration while the numerical model is not only able to quantify the deterioration rate but also reproduce the failure process and mechanism of the Tasmanian sandstones subjected to various number of FTCs.