Influence Factors and Prediction Model of Bond Strength of Tunnel Fireproof Coating under Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Materials (Basel). 2021 Mar 22;14(6):1544. doi: 10.3390/ma14061544.

Abstract

The freeze-thaw resistant performance of a tunnel fireproof coating (TFC) has an important impact on bonding property and durability. The influence of redispersible emulsion powder, polypropylene fiber and air-entraining agent on TFCs was studied. Transverse fundamental frequency and ultrasonic sound velocity were used to evaluate the damage degree of TFC, and the mechanism was revealed by SEM and pore structure. The results show that the most beneficial effect on bond strength of TFC is redispersible emulsion powder, followed by air-entraining agent, and then polypropylene fiber. After freeze-thaw cycles, the cumulative pore volume of micropores in the TFC increases obviously, while the porosity of macropores does not change significantly. A prediction model was proposed, which can calculate the bond strength from the damage degree of TFC under freeze-thaw cycles. The achievement can promote the application of TFC in cold regions.

Keywords: bond strength; freeze–thaw cycles; pore structure; prediction model; tunnel fireproof coating.