Modeling the deterioration of hydrated cement systems exposed to frost action

The main features of a numerical model predicting the behavior of hydrated cement systems subjected to freezing temperatures are presented. The model is derived from thermodynamic and kinetic considerations. All equations are written at the microscopic scale and then averaged over an elementary representative volume of the material (mesoscopic scale). The system of equations is built in such a way as to predict temperature-induced phase transitions and the resulting transfer of mass within the material pore structure. The model also yields the local pressures generated in the liquid and solid phases by mass transfer and crystal growth. The system of non-linear equations is solved numerically. A complete description of the input data required to run the model is given. The last section includes a discussion of the various assumptions forming the basis of the model. Part II of this series will be devoted to a systematic comparison of the numerical results to experimental data.